WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND PRESENT STATUS OF TRADITIONAL NATURAL SPRINGS IN THE HIMALAYAN TOWN PITHORAGARH, UTTARAKHAND

Abstract

Natural springs are the important source of drinking water in hilly region. These are founds in source of traditional from such as Naula, Dhara and Chal Khal. Presently more than 35 natural springs are located in Pithoragarh town. The water level of natural springs is decrease and polluted due to excessive urbanization in the last three decades. Erratic rainfall pattern, increases of built-up area, concretization, lack of proper drainage pattern and sewerage line the Mountain aquifer system badly affected.

            This research paper focuses on assessment of natural springs in Pithoragarh town. In this research, a total eight municipal wards and more than twelve water quality parameters has selected for analysis. The entire data collected by field survey method and using stratified random sampling. The water quality results of the research were evaluated acceptable and permissible limits by B.I.S (Bureau of Indian Standard) and W.H.O (World Health Organization). Out of the total springs in the town, 27 springs are being used for springs samples surveyed showed that about 19% of the springs in the study area are potable and 16% of the springs are prohibited for drinking purposes with the concentration of coliform bacteria. Thus, the result of the study shows that due to anthropogenic activities and climate change the natural springs are depleting and polluting very steadily. This is a big challenge to the water springs of Pithoragarh town.