Assessment of groundwater quality for sustainable drinking and irrigation applications in rural areas

Groundwater quality is crucial for both domestic and agricultural uses, especially in rural areas. This study aimed to assess groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation and analyze potential health risks associated with nitrate content. The Drinking Water Quality Index and the Irrigation Water Quality Index were used to evaluate water suitability. The results showed that only 12% of wells were potable, while 88% were of poor quality. Irrigation water quality was average to high, indicating suitability for agricultural purposes. The study assessed the health risks of nitrates and found that the oral hazard index (HQoral) was less than 1 in 94% of locations, indicating no serious risk to children and infants. However, 6% of wells exceeded 1 in the Skin Hazard Index for children, while all values for adults were less than 1, indicating safety for them. No risks associated with bathing were recorded. The study recommends against using untreated groundwater of poor quality for drinking, with regular monitoring and taking preventative measures for wells W21 and W28 due to potential risks to children. Although the water is deemed suitable for irrigation according to IWQI, continued monitoring is recommended to ensure sustainability and protect public health.