Appraisal of Ground Water Quality Conditions by Using Water Quality Index Means in Ranebennur Taluka, Haveri District, Karnataka, India

The present study aimed to calculate the water quality index (WQI) by the study of nine physico-chemical parameters on the basis of Weighted Arithmetic Index in order to assess the suitability of water for drinking purpose and other human uses in Ranebennur Taluka, Haveri District, Karnataka, India. WQI, a tool of rating water quality, is a valuable model to assess spatial and temporal changes in ground water quality. Twenty five groundwater samples were collected during pre-monsoon and postmonsoon seasons during June 2011 to May 2012. The water quality index rating was carried out to quantify overall ground water quality status of the area. The values of WQI have been affected mainly by the concentration of dissolved ions (F, NO3, Ca and Mg) in ground water. The values of WQI of the samples were found in the range of 24-65 on the pre-monsoon season while it was 19 67 in post-monsoon season. The higher concentration of dissolved solids during post-monsoon samples, exhibits poor quality of water as compared to pre-monsoon season. It may be due to more seepage and movement of ground water during post-monsoon. Keywords-Ground water, Seasonal variation, WQI, Hydro-geochemical activities, Industrial area.