Assessment of Spring Water Quality in the Rural Watersheds of Western Nepal

Abstract

A preliminary study was conducted to analyze the water quality of spring waters in rural watershed of Western Nepal. 155 spring water samples were collected from Jhimruk, Rangun, Bogtan-Lagam Karnali, Thuligad and Middle Karnali watershed. Collection and analysis occurred twice, once in pre-monsoon 2018 and post-monsoon 2018. Various physical and chemical parameters were analyzed by using standard water quality measurements and compared with the Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standard and the World Health Organization Standard Guideline. The results indicate that the turbidity was high during pre-monsoon season. The highest turbidity of 63.8 NTU was observed in the Bogtan-Lagam Karnali watershed. Two spring sources—one in Bogtan-Lagam Karnali and one in Middle Karnali exceeded the health standard for nitrate-N. The phosphate levels were high during the pre-monsoon season in Jhimruk and Rangun watershed in all the studied sites. Dissolved oxygen levels were relatively high during post-monsoon season. Results of the water quality index in all the studied sites revealed that the water quality ranges from being poor to good conditions in the spring sources. The results from this study suggested that the water bodies are relatively good and can be used for domestic purposes after suitable treatment.