Sustainable Aspects of Rural Water Supply, Quality and Sanitation Source using RS and GIS: A Case Study

Access to safe drinking water remains an urgent necessity in the world as it is directly related to health. Groundwater accounts for more than 80 per cent of the rural domestic water supply in India (World Bank 2010). The main aim and objective of present research study is on applicability of satellite remote sensing techniques for sustainability of rural water supply sources of Medchal mandal in Ranga Reddy district. The integrated groundwater prospects maps are prepared by using different thematic layers like Geology, Geomorphology, Structures (Lineaments), Hydrology, etc. Drinking water quality data of rural water supply sources situated in Medchal mandal are studied for the parameters like Fluoride, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Alkalinity, pH & Chloride to assess the spatial distribution of groundwater quality in terms of potable or non-potable. Satellite Remote Sensing and GIS studies are employed by making use of other collateral data, Well Inventory data and Rural Water Supply data are incorporated. Groundwater quality data acquired are spatially interpolated using Inverse Distance Weightage (IDW) method to demarcate the spatial (locational) variations. Water demand is calculated for present (2012) and designed period of 20 years (2032). After detailed well inventory combined with integrated groundwater prospects and quality studies, the problematic habitations are found out and plan of action and remedial measures have been proposed. The plan includes proposing water harvesting structures to either dilute the areas where the water quality problem is there or to increase the groundwater reserves through artificial recharge in areas where there is sustainability problem.