Assessing Groundwater Quality in the Rapidly Industrialising Selaqui Area of Dehradun, India: Implications for Sustainable Water Management

The Selaqui industrial area in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, has witnessed rapid industrial growth and urban expansion, raising concerns about groundwater quality. This study aims to assess the groundwater quality comprehensively, informing sustainable water management practices. Over 50 groundwater samples from 11 locations in Selaqui were analyzed for 13 physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations. Analytical methods included bar plot and piper plot analysis for assessing water quality variations and dominant characteristics. Correlation analysis helped understand the interrelations among water quality parameters. The study revealed notable variations in groundwater quality across sites, with Site-VI identified as problematic due to poor water quality, while Site-IV showed better quality. The groundwater primarily exhibited characteristics of hard water, with higher calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) levels. Elevated fluoride levels upto 1.65 ppm were observed in the groundwater of the area. Water Quality Index (WQI) values ranged from 36.43 to 72.44, indicating a mix of good and poor-quality groundwater. However, the majority of the groundwater locations were classified as poor in quality, indicating a necessity for attention to water treatment measures. The study recommends measures to protect against potential contamination from industrial and urban activities. It highlights the need for active community and policymaker engagement in developing effective mitigation strategies. Emphasizing sustainable water management practices is crucial for ensuring safe, potable groundwater for present and future generations.