DEVELOPMENT OF WATER QUALITY INDEX

Abstract

Water monitoring data consist of routine measurements of physical, chemical and biological variables that are intended to give insight into water quality conditions. Once the water monitoring data are collected, there is a further need to translate them into a form that is easily understood. Water Quality Indices are potent for such simplification. To inform common man about pollution level of river, Water Quality Indices come in handy. In this study, Water Quality Indices for five specific uses viz. Drinking Water Supply,Organised Outdoor Bathing, Agricultural Use, Industrial Use and Wild Life Preservation are developed. Some sort of objectivity is introduced in these indices by using the opinions of a large panel of experts. This will help minimize problems associated with the arbitrary judgement incorporated in most of the indices developed so far. Using these indices, pollution level of water of Ganga, Yamuna and Hindon river at different sampling stations has been worked out.