Assessment of springs in Hawalbagh block of Almora district
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Date
2021-01
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Springs are a critical resource for the people of Hawalbagh Block of Almora region, but are currently facing threats as a result of rapid urbanization and climate change. To meet its water demand, the city of Almora needs approximately 16 MLD of water, but
Jal Sansthan only supplies 9 MLD of water. As a result, majority of people in Almora become reliant on springs to satisfy their daily demand for water. The water quality of these springs is declining because of numerous anthropogenic activities, such as construction, deforestation, etc. The present research was therefore conducted to assess the water quality of springs in Hawalbagh Block of Almora region i.e. between latitudes 29°33'44.28"N to 29°39'7.56"N and longitudes 79°34'14.16"E to 79°41'2.46"E. Water
samples were collected in January 2020 and checked for various physico-chemical parameters from 11 springs in Hawalbagh Block. Data on the spring inventory was obtained on site by interviewing the local spring users. The DEM of the study area was
analyzed and various maps such as Aspect Map, Hillshade Map, Contour Map, Channel Network Map, Flow Direction Map etc. were created using QGIS 3.10. Physicochemical parameters were used to compute two Water Quality Indexes, namely the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) and the Water Quality Index (Index method). The statistical analysis (descriptive statistics and regression analysis) of these parameters was also performed. From the study, it was found that the water from 3 springs was mildly acidic, the hardness of 3 springs exceeded the acceptable limit of 200 mg/L but was below the permissible limit of 600 mg/L and the potassium content exceeded the acceptable limit of 12 mg/L in 2 springs. The water of 3 springs was found to be hard out of 11 springs, and it was found to be really hard water for 1 spring. It can be seen from the WQI (Index Method) that the water quality rating of 45.46 % of the springs was excellent (WQI < 50), a good rating (50 < WQI < 100) was given to 54.54 % of the springs. It was also inferred that all springs have either excellent water quality or good water quality. Hence, it is concluded
that the overall water quality of the springs is suitable for drinking and domestic purposes.