Adverse effect of rapid industrialization on groundwater quality and quantity is widely known problem especially in developing countries. Tirupur, which is situated on the bank of Noyyal River in India, is known for intensive textile processing activities. As groundwater is the main water source for drinking water, there is an urgency to assess the groundwater quality. Twenty groundwater samples were collected for each post and pre-monsoon sampling during August 2009 and March 2010, respectively. Chemical and statistical analysis along with numerical modelling has been performed to assess the current status. The hydro-geochemical study revealed that the dominance of Mg-Cl and Na-HCO3 groundwater type in the upstream region Tirupur industrial hub of Noyyal River basin. Na-Cl groundwater type was found increasing in industrial hub (Kasipalayam) and downstream of the industrial hub (Anaipalayam) sites. The dominance of Na-Cl type of water is mainly due to the impact of salts like NaCl, Na2SO4, etc. used in textile processing, which after discharge, percolate and accumulate in the aquifers. Seasonal groundwater quality of Tirupur region as a whole showed the dominance of Ca-HCO3 (-), Na-HCO3 (-) and Na-Cl water types. PHREEQC model output indicates that nearly all the groundwater samples were oversaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite and undersaturated with respect to gypsum and halite. The results obtained in this study were then compared with groundwater quality of the Noyyal River basin for the year 2008-2009. Among the two sites, Kasipalayam was found to be most contaminated due to incessant industrial discharge. But with the advent of new treatment technologies like CETPs having zero liquid discharge system and MBR, there has been slight decline in the concentration of different physicochemical parameters from 2002-2003 to 2008-2009. This study not only makes situation alarming but also calls for immediate attention for sustainable management of water resources.
