Quality of ground waters of Jodhpur in relation to possible health hazards

Abstract

Studies on the quality of water supplied to Jodhpur from lawai. Rampura and Pal and other ground water sources like hand pumps and open wells have been presented. Physico-chemical analyses of about 150 water samples indicate that only 4% waters cOnform to drinking water standards of WHO and ICMR, i.e., these water samples contain less than 500 mg/l of total dissolved solids. The hand pump waters are mostly saline and contain health affecting ions like fluoride and nitrates. Trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd) have a:so been found in a few water samples. Considering 1.5 mg F/l as the maximum permissible limit, about 55% of the water samples are fit for consumption, while 48% of the samples are potable keeping in view the 50 mg N03/llimit of WHO and ICMR. Measures for improving the quality of water have been discussed in brief