Study on Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality Of Rural Area Of Wada Taluka In Maharashtra (India): Part -2 (Year 2025)

Assessing the quality of drinking water in rural areas is important for protecting public health and managing water resources properly. This study examines the physical, chemical, and biological properties of drinking water collected from common rural sources such as borewells, open wells, and hand pumps from ten selected villages from Wada taluka, Palghar district. Water samples were collected carefully using standard procedures and tested using reliable methods recommended by the BIS, APHA and WHO. Key physicochemical parameters such as Temperature, pH, EC, turbidity, TDS, TSS, total hardness, alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, and fluoride concentrations were determined, along with microbiological indicators, including total coliform and fecal coliform counts. The results were compared with the permissible limits specified by the WHO and BIS. The findings reveal seasonal changes in water quality, with some sampling sites showing increased levels of TDS (S3, S4, S5, S10 in May 2025),total hardness (S4 in May 2025 and S2, S3, S4, S5 in July 2025), Chloride (S4 in May 2025) and microbial contamination (in all samples)beyond acceptable limits. This suggests potential impacts from agricultural runoff, inadequate sanitation, and natural geological factors. The study highlights the need for regular monitoring of water quality, the use of proper water treatment methods, and the improvement in sanitation practices in rural areas. These steps are important to reduce health risks and provide safe drinking water.