K.Sundara Kumar et. al. / International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Vol. 2(11), 2010, 6035-6046 ASSESSMENT AND MAPPING OF GROUND WATER QUALITY USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS K. SUNDARA KUMAR 1 , P. SUNDARA KUMAR 1 , Dr. M. J. RATNAKANTH BABU 2 & Dr. CH. HANUMANTHA RAO 3 1 Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, K L University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India 2 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, K L University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India 3 Professor & Head, Dept. of Civil Engineering, K L University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India Abstract: Assessment of water quality of drinking water supplies has always been paramount in the field of environmental quality management. Groundwater quality of Rajam has a special significance and needs greater attention of all concerned since it is the only major source for domestic, consumption. In this work we have estimated the ground water quality of Rajam Mandal which is located on the east coast of Srikakulam district of Andhrapradesh, India. More than 170 samples of the ground water are collected manually from the bore wells which were approximately equally distributed all over 31 villages of Rajam Mandal. The samples were analyzed using standard procedures in the laboratory. Rajam Mandal map has been collected and digitized using ARC Map 9.2. The data base obtained from water quality testing is used as attribute data base for preparation of thematic maps showing distribution of various water quality parameters. Water Quality Index has been calculated and thematic maps of the same were also developed. The results of the water quality analysis work were presented in the form of maps which can be used for better understanding of the present water quality scenario of the study area. The variations of water quality in different villages were discussed. Keywords: Ground water, Water Quality Parameters, Water Quality Index, Spatial Distribution, Geographic Information Systems. 1. Introduction The availability of a water supply adequate in terms of both quantity and quality is essential to human existence. The demand for water has increased over the years and this has led to water scarcity in many parts of the world. The situation is aggravated by the problem of water pollution or contamination. India is heading towards a freshwater crisis mainly due to improper management of water resources and environmental degradation. This leads to lack of access to safe potable water supply to millions of people. This freshwater crisis is already evident in many parts of India, varying in scale and intensity depending mainly on the time of the year. According to WHO organization, about 80% of all the diseases in human beings are water borne. Further the groundwater, and the pollutants it may carry move with such a low velocity that it may take considerable time for the contaminants to move away from the source of pollution and also degradation in the groundwater quality may remain undetected for years. Once the groundwater is contaminated, its quality cannot be restored by arresting the pollutants from the source. It therefore becomes imperative to regularly monitor the quality of groundwater and to device ways and means to protect it. Water quality index is one of the most effective tools to communicate information on overall quality status of water to the concerned user community and policy makers [1, 2]. Thus, it becomes an important parameter for the assessment and management of groundwater. The purpose of the present study is to estimate the groundwater quality in the Rajam Mandal and thematically represent it using Geographic Information System (GIS) for understanding of the present scenario at a glance. GIS can be used as a powerful tool for developing solutions for water resources problems for assessing water quality, determining water availability, preventing flooding, understanding the natural environment, and managing water resources on a local or regional scale. [3, 4] ISSN: 0975-5462 6035