Assessment of water quality of public borewells in Nashik municipal corporation : a case study

Studies in the Nashik Municipal Corporation Area reveal that, in the absence of an adequate quantity of treated water, people use borewell water for drinking, washing and other domestic uses but the quality of this water falls below the standards required for safe domestic use and therefore poses a health hazard. As a result this case study, analysing the ground water table for chemical and bacteriological levels, has been initiated in the Nashik Municipal Corporation Area. The water has been assessed under the tolerance limits for use of inland surface water depending on the purpose of use of the water. The case study presents the methodology and results of its sampling and analysis. The general conclusion drawn is that borewell water in this area is unhygienic and not fit for drinking and other domestic purposes and that through its use there is the danger of spreading water borne epidemic diseases. If this water is to be used it is recommended that modifications be made to borewell construction, that proper disinfection methods be used, that the water not be used for drinking, and that a public awareness campaign be launched. Also included are detailed statements of tolerance limits for inland surface water based on standards recommended by the Indian Standards Institution, New Delhi which can be compared to the accompanying analysis of the quality of high yielding borewells in the study area.