Upstream-to-downstream Water Quality Changes along Jhajjar Stream-an Important Tributary of River Tawi in Jammu, India

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the water quality changes across the upstream and downstream sites of Jhajjar stream - major tributary of River Tawi in Jammu. Monthly water samples were collected from two sites viz., Site 1 (upstream) and Site 2 (downstream) of Jhajjar stream and analysed for various water quality parameters for a period of one year covering three seasons (summer, monsoon, winter). All the analysed parameters were found to be within the desirable limits prescribed by the World Health Organisation and Bureau of Indian Standards for drinking and domestic purposes except for total alkalinity and total hardness. Thirteen water quality parameters were used for calculating the Arithmetic Water Quality Index which indicated good to very poor water quality status of the stream during different seasons. Based on the water quality criteria as given by Central Pollution Control Board for designated best use of water, both the sites were classified under the Class B which means that the water was fit for outdoor bathing. However, Site 1 was also categorized under Class C for some months of the year wherein the water could be used as drinking water source after conventional treatment and disinfection.The multivariate cluster analysis was also performed which showed less seasonal variations at Site 1 but monthly variations at Site 2 which may be attributed to high anthropogenic pressures at Site 2 as compared to Site 1. Overall, the water quality of the sites under observation ranged from good to very poor for drinking purposes for which prior treatment of water is highly recommended especially for Site 2 to make it fit for drinking and other domestic uses.