The report looks at groundwater quality and presents the results of the chemical analysis of groundwater samples from openwells & borewells of Belgaum district. The study broadly covers these aspects - (i) groundwater quality evaluation of the district (ii) identification of groundwater quality problems in various parts of district (iii) classification of groundwater, and (iv) application of DRASTIC model for assessing the vulnerability to groundwater pollution.

It is found that groundwater quality deterioration is a serious problem in many parts of Belgaum due to anthropogenic actions like urbanization, industrial growth and induction of fertilizers & insecticides. Most individuals and an increasing number of communities whose well water is found to be contaminated are abandoning the use of the contaminated well and are turning to an alternative water supply.

The abandonment of more and more wells is leading to a stress on other means of water supply. Therefore, alternative means of dealing with the problem of encroaching groundwater pollution is needed. In this regard, the foremost part is evaluation of water quality parameters that will throw light on the existing water quality conditions in the district.

For effective protection of groundwater quality from deleterious effects of pollution, there is an urgent need to establish groundwater quality monitoring system covering the entire study area with sampling points selected with regard to water supply systems and mode of waste water supply schemes in pollution prone areas. At places where groundwater is the main source of supply, it may be necessary to carry out monitoring on top priority basis to delineate affected areas.

An immediate measure required in all villages of the district is provision of good sanitation facility and sewerage channels so as to prevent any accumulation of biodegradable elements. Wherever, water supply is from tanks, water should be located at a suitable place based on scientific techniques so that there is no effect of dump sites on water quality in a long run.

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