Assessment of the Chambal River Quality at Kota Metropolis Through the Drinking Water Quality Index and Irrigation Water Quality Index

With a population greater than 2 million, Kota metropolis primarily depends on the Chambal River for its regular water demand for drinking, irrigation, commercial, and industrial requirements. The assessment of water quality has been performed at Kota metropolis on the Chambal River for drinking and irrigation purposes seasonally and annually. Twenty-three parameters namely, Ammonia, BOD, COD, Boron, Calcium, Chloride, Electrical Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Fecal Coliform, Fluoride, Magnesium, Nitrate, pH, Phosphate, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Temperature, Total Alkalinity, Total Coliform, Total Dissolved Solids, Hardness, and Turbidity were analyzed regularly during the study period at two sampling locations namely, Akelgarh (Upstream) and Rangpur (Downstream). Water quality index (WQI) is estimated to access water quality status for drinking purpose, while Sodium Absorption Ratio, Soluble Sodium Percentage, Kelly Ratio, Sodium Percentage, Magnesium Hazard, and Permeability Index is calculated to determine the irrigation water quality index (IWQI). The safe limits of monitored parameters were given in Indian standards of potable water “IS 10500:2012.” All the monitored parameters were within safe limits during the study period, making water quality suitable for drinking and irrigation at both sampling locations. The estimated WQI and IWQI provide the best rating tool for the quality of water. Various aspects of river water quality may be accessible with these estimated indices providing ultimate decision-making tools to stakeholders to implement the best management programs of the Chambal River’s water.