Water quality index assessment of groundwater in the Central Ganga Plain with reference to Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh, India

The major problem of groundwater contamination primarily in the Indo-Gangetic alluvium is of fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, iron and salinity. One such area is Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh, India representing the central Indo-Gangetic alluvium, where groundwater contamination through fluoride, nitrate and salinity has already been reported. However, a comprehensive picture pertaining to water quality as a whole has not been published yet. The present study deals with the changes in water quality parameters in groundwater samples of Raebareli district to present a wholesome picture. The results for water quality index (WQI) show that 7% samples in the study area are in the class of 'unsuitable for drinking' purposes, with WQI value as high as 411.5. Moreover, the results suggest that 57% and 43% of the samples in the premonsoon and post-monsoon period respectively, are under the category of 'poor' water. This study will enable the government authorities to suggest alternate drinking water sources in the affected area.