Use of Geographic Information System and Water Quality Index to Assess Groundwater Quality in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Water quality assessment has always been a dominant part of environmental quality management. The present study involved the suitability assessment and mapping of groundwater quality for agricultural activities and drinking purposes in Rawalpindi and Islamabad area. A total of 22 samples were collected from borewells and open wells, and these water samples were further analysed for physical and chemical characteristics on the basis of which different indices were developed. Water quality index was calculated for overall water quality quantification from the perspective of human consumption. The results showed that a greater proportion exhibited poor quality for drinking due to over-exploitation of groundwater resource, agricultural impact and direct release of contaminants. Further, evaluation of groundwater for its suitability for irrigation showed that majority of the groundwater was suitable for irrigation purposes.