Development of CCME WQI model for the groundwater appraisal for drinking in Basaltic terrain of Kadava River basin, Nashik, India

In this study, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI) model has been used to ascertain the groundwater suitability for drinking in Kadava River basin located in Nashik district, Maharashtra. Therefore, forty (40) representative groundwater samples were collected from different dug/bore well during Pre (PRM) and Post (POM) monsoon seasons of 2011 and analyzed by standard procedures of APHA. The parameters like pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, F, SO4 and NO3 were considered to compute the CCME WQI model. The results of CCME WQI values inferred that 7.5 % in PRM and 17.5 % samples in POM seasons fall in poor category. Moreover, 77.5 % and 60 % samples fall in marginal category in PRM and POM seasons. While, 15 % and 22.5 % samples came under fair category in PRM and POM seasons. Spatial distribution maps illustrated that North, Central and South regions are identified as vulnerable for drinking; hence, unfit for drinking. In a nutshell, groundwater quality is significantly deteriorated because of agricultural practices and anthropogenic activities, therefore appropriate monitoring along with proper remedial measures is essential to sustain the groundwater quality in the river basin.