Assessment of physiochemical parameters of the Tawi River of Jammu and Kashmir, India for drinking and agricultural purposes

ABSTRACT Water is one of the essential components and nature's significant segment that provides substantial support to sustain life. The main aim of this study is to assess the ecological strategy of the Tawi River, Jammu & Kashmir, India for drinking and irrigation purposes. The Tawi River is one of the central lifelines of Jammu city. In this study, physicochemical parameters such as pH, TDS, Ca2+, Mg2+, complete alkalinity, EC, sodium, hardness, potassium, and chlorides are considered to analyze the quality of the Tawi River water. These critical parameters affecting water quality were examined in conformity to IS 10500:2012 that had aligned with the international standards such as EU directives (80/778/EEC), Council directives (98/83/EC), USEPA standard (EPA 816-F-02-013), and WHO guidelines (3rd Edition Vol. 1, 2008). Besides WQI quantification and examination, the quality of water is also segregated through different quality classes for accurate information. It is observed that many significant parameters are beyond the prescribed permissible limits indicating the unsuitability of water for household consumption without proper treatment. On the other hand, examination of parameters such as SAR, MH, KR, PI, and %Na indicates that the quality of the Tawi River water is, however, reasonable for irrigation purposes.