Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Rewari Industrial Area, Haryana and Its Suitability for Domestic and Irrigation Use

Abstract

The present study evaluates the groundwater quality of the Rewari industrial and peri-urban region of Haryana and assesses its suitability for domestic purposes. Groundwater samples were collected from seven representative locations, including industrial, residential, and semi-urban zones during the pre-monsoon season of 2024. Physico-chemical and microbial parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), nitrate, fluoride, fecal coliform, and total coliform were analyzed using standard APHA methods. The results indicated that groundwater pH ranged from 7.1 to 8.0, showing neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. EC values varied between 1210 and 1780 µS/cm, while TDS concentrations ranged from 680 to 828 mg/L, indicating moderate salinity and mineralization. The highest EC value (1780 µS/cm) was observed at Haily Mandi and HSIIDC Sector-37, reflecting stronger ionic concentration due to industrial and urban influences. Fluoride concentration remained constant at 0.2 mg/L and nitrate levels ranged from 0.0 to 0.3 mg/L, both within permissible drinking water limits. BOD values remained low at 1 mg/L, indicating negligible organic contamination. Microbial analysis showed low fecal and total coliform counts (~1.8 MPN/100 ml) at most monitoring locations. Temporal analysis from 2021–2024 revealed increasing salinity trends at several industrial locations due to industrial discharge and excessive groundwater abstraction. The study concludes that groundwater in the Rewari industrial region is moderately mineralized and requires treatment before drinking purposes. Sustainable groundwater management, pollution control measures, and periodic monitoring are essential to protect groundwater resources and ensure long-term water quality sustainability.