Assessment of Drinking Water Quality at Selected Public Places of Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Mukesh Ruhela; Sweta Bhardwaj; Naresh Kumar; Faheem Ahamad

doi:10.59983/s2024020303

Mukesh Ruhela ¹ , Sweta Bhardwaj ² , Naresh Kumar ³ , Faheem Ahamad ⁴

¹ Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Meerut 250005, India
² Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Meerut 250005, India
³ Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Meerut 250005, India https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9807-4002
⁴ Department of Environmental Science, Keral Verma Subharti College of Sciences, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Meerut 250005, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2324-4772

✉ Author responsible for correspondence: This information is protected, please see article PDF.

doi 10.59983/s2024020303

Abstract

Water is essential to all life on Earth, serving as a critical resource for both industrial and agricultural activities. However, the quality of groundwater, particularly in urban areas, is a growing concern due to its direct impact on human health. This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality in selected public places within Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India, to assess its suitability for drinking purposes. A total of 48 groundwater samples were collected from four locations across the city. Various physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and ion concentrations, were measured and compared against the national standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The analysis revealed that while certain parameters such as pH, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate levels were within acceptable BIS limits, others, including TDS, total hardness, magnesium, and calcium, exceeded the permissible thresholds. The Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment further categorized the water quality at all studied locations as 'bad,' indicating significant contamination. The findings suggest that the groundwater in these areas is unsuitable for human consumption without prior treatment. The presence of elevated levels of dissolved solids and hardness, along with other contaminants, highlights the need for immediate intervention to mitigate potential health risks. This study underscores the urgent necessity for effective water management and treatment strategies in Meerut City to ensure safe and sustainable access to potable water.

Keywords:

contamination, groundwater quality, industrialization, sustainability

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