Chemical Quality of the Spring Waters of Anantnag, Kashmir

Among the various springs of Kashmir valley, 40 representative springs of Anantnag District were selected for a baseline study to assess the Physico-Chemical characteristics and suitability of spring water for drinking purposes. Four types of waters that were identified reflect the interaction of water under different lithologic cao inditions. The observed values of major cations (Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Na⁺&K⁺) and anions (HC0₃^-,SO₄^-, CI , NO₃^-;&F) are within the WHO standards, hence the waters are potable and good for domestic purposes. The four hydrochemical facies identified are CaHCO₃, MgHCO₃ and NaHCO₃ and hybrid type. The calculated PC0₂ values reflect the dynamic nature of the hydrologic system to which the springs belong. The saturation index values with respect to calcite, dolomite and gypsum have also been calculated.