Groundwater contamination issues in Chiniot area, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was planned to assess the groundwater quality of the District Chiniot, Pakistan. The majority of the people in the area use the groundwater from private wells. Water quality is very poor in the area especially close to the Pre Cambrian exposed Hills. TDS (total dissolved solids), hardness, Chloride, Sulfate and Calcium were very high in groundwater. Trace element chemistry shows that As, Mn and S are above the recommended limit. As and Mn contamination is due to water-rock interaction. Whereas S is encountered in shallow wells, which may be due to improper solid waste management and septic tanks. Microbiological analysis of municipal supply water shows that 25% of water samples have faecal contamination. High TDS groundwater is the cause of economic loss due to damage of sanitary fittings.