The domestic wells is a lifeline and source of drinking and household water in the villages of Ponda taluka of Goa. There is increasing threat and concern towards the quality of well water if left unattended or untreated. The study focuses on understanding the present condition of the wells and the water quality. It is imperative to have adequate monitoring and provide timely treatment to avoid future health risks due to the consumption of the well water. The well water quality testing of six well samples were collected during post-monsoon (October) season period. The key water quality parameters such as turbidity, temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity and bacteriological contamination were examined with the H2S test used as an indicator of possible faecal pollution. The field observations and water temperature at the time of collection of samples helped relate laboratory findings to the local environmental settings. The results indicate that all the sampled wells were free from residual chlorine. Turbidity values for all samples are low (1.4-2.4 MTU) suggesting clear water with visible suspended matter, while TDS (20.3-113.3 mg/l) and electric conductivity (46.6-256 µS/cm) shows desirable limits, pointing to low mineralization and the absence of salinity related hazards. However, pH values reveal acidic conditions (5-6) in five wells with only one sample close to neutral (pH 7.01) due to solubility of certain metals. A critical finding of the study is that all six wells tested positive in the H2S bacteriological test showing the likely presence of faecal microbes and indicating water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment. The study recommends low-cost disinfection measures and greater community awareness. It also offers a baseline for further spatial analysis to support sustainable usage practices.
Shet et al. (Fri,) studied this question.