Assessment of Water Quality of Tapi River at Bhusawal

R. B. Dhake and S. T. Ingle*

School of Environment and Earth Science, North Maharashtra University Jalgaon- 425 001 (India)

Tapi river is a source of drinking water to Bhusawal urban centre and major part of North Maharashtra region. The water quality of river is degradaded due to addition of semi-treated and treated industrial and domestic water in this region. Bhusawal is a major urban centre with population 2.5 lakh and the domestic waste water is added in the river. In the present study an attempt has been made to assess the quality of river water at Bhusawal. The results on WQI shows variation in water quality. It varies between slightly to excessively polluted at various locations duing the study period (June 2001 to May 2003). As the river water is used for drinking, proper treatment is required before it's use. Moreover, strategies for waste water manaement in the Bhusawal urban centre will help to maintain good river water quality in this region.

Water quality index; Tapi river; River pollution