Assessment of potability of drinking water: an appraisal using trivariate water quality indices

ABSTRACT In this study, trivariate water quality indices (WQIs) were used to evaluate the potability of drinking water. Georeferenced drinking water samples were randomly gathered from 10 primary school (P.S.) premises. Water samples were analyzed for various physicochemicals. According to the WQI model, 50% of water is excellent, 20% is good, 10% is abysmal, and 20% is unsuitable. According to the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG) model, 60% of the water is significant for drinking, 10% of it is low in pollution, and 30% of it is unsuitable; however, the Synthetic Pollution Index (SPI) model indicates that 40% of the water is slightly polluted, 30% of it is moderately polluted, 10% of it is highly polluted, and 20% of it is unsuitable. However, the results of all three applied models indicated that the groundwater of P.S. Sher Khan and P.S. Misri Judge is unfit for drinking purposes. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to guarantee that everyone has access to clean drinking water to sustain the health and welfare of students, staff, and residents.