Assessing Water Quality in Arid Agricultural Regions: A Comprehensive Study in the Command Area of Jayakwadi Dam, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT The Jayakwadi dam in Maharashtra, India, is a critical source of water for irrigation and drinking in a semi‐arid agricultural region that is facing water quality problems due to intensive sugar cane cultivation. The study evaluated the seasonal water quality at 104 sampling points using a Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WA‐WQI) and key parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDSs), and total alkalinity. The spatial distribution has been analyzed using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The findings showed that a significant proportion of water samples, particularly those further away from irrigation canals, were above the permitted levels for drinking and irrigation. High TDS and EC levels indicated salinity problems, whereas pH levels indicated the need for prior cleaning. Water quality was particularly poor during the pre‐monsoon period. The study recommends targeted interventions, such as the introduction of salt‐sensitive crops, improvements in soil permeability, and improved monitoring of water quality. These measures are essential to sustainable water management and to the resilience of agriculture in arid regions.