Investigations into ground water quality status assessment through GIS- A case study for rural districts of Karnataka

Abstract

Water is life. It is the foundation for health, hygiene, progress and prosperity. Therefore efficient water management is essential to civil society for betterment of quality of life. Of all types of pollution that are steadily degrading community physical environment, probably the least recognized is the hidden groundwater. Magnitude of the drinking water quality problem depends on geo-environment and anthropogenic activities. Rural Development Engineering Department, Government of Karnataka, carried out an analysis of water sources for its quality in rural villages (during 2000-2001). The GIS database has been used (2003-2004) to develop maps showing spatial variation of specific water quality parameters. The overall information on ground water quality in the state is presented in the form of tables for each taluk of each district and a composite table for the entire state. The villagewise databases have been generated and analytical data have been grouped into two classes viz., permissible limit and above permissible limit categories. For generating the Iso-concentration maps, surfer, Arc/Info and Arc/View softwares were used to establish water quality relationship with the influencing factors like geology, drainage, soil and habitations. It is clear that Water Quality problems in the state are due to Fluoride, Total dissolved salts, Total hardness, Nitrate, Iron and Bacterial contamination. The GIS database helps in decision-making process by identifying the most sensitive zones that need immediate attention