Groundwater Quality and its Suitability for Drinking and Agriculture from the Vel River Basin, Part of Pune District, Maharashtra, India

Assessment of suitability of groundwater for domestic and agricultural purposes was carried out in Vel river basin, Maharashtra, India. The study area covers an area of 44.23 km² and lies on the northern side of Pune. Groundwater is the major source for drinking and agricultural activity in this area. Groundwater samples were collected from 15 wells during pre-monsoon period in the year 2012. The water samples were analysed for physical and chemical characteristics. Suitability of groundwater for irrigation was evaluated based on salinity hazard, sodium percent, sodium adsorption ratio, US salinity diagram, Gibbs diagram, Kelly's ratio and permeability index. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as electrical conductivity, pH, total hardness, Na⁺,K⁺,Ca²⁺,Mg²⁺,Cl^-, HCO₃^-,CO₃^2-, SO₄^2-, and NO₃^- were determined. Interpretation of analytical data shows that mixed Ca- Mg-Cl, Ca-Cl, and Na-Cl are the dominant hydrochemical facies in the study area. The results of analysis were compared with the water quality standards of Indian Standard Institute (ISI), and World Health Organization (WHO). The overall groundwater quality is suitable for drinking purposes and for irrigation purpose which was evaluated by calculating Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), resulting in SAR values less than 10 for all dug wells. The systematic planning of groundwater exploitation using modern technology is essential for the proper utilization of this precious natural resource. Information from this study could be used for effective identification of suitable locations for extraction of potable water for rural population.