Evaluating Groundwater Suitability for Both Domestic and Agricultural Uses in Shaligowraram Mandal, Nalgonda District, Telangana State

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 8 18
By

Bollepally Swami,

Kunsoth Sreenu,

  1. , Department of Geology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, ,
  2. , Department of Geology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, ,

Abstract

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking and irrigation water in semi-arid regions of India, making its quality assessment essential for sustainable water resource management. This study evaluates the hydrogeochemical characteristics and suitability of groundwater in Shaligowraram Mandal, Nalgonda District, Telangana, India. A total of 42 groundwater samples were collected during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons to assess seasonal variations in groundwater chemistry. The samples were analyzed for major physico-chemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺), and major anions (HCO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and F⁻), following standard analytical procedures. The results were compared with the Indian Standard for Drinking Water Specification (IS 10500) to evaluate their suitability for domestic use. Irrigation suitability was assessed using the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), and Permeability Index (PI). Most groundwater samples belong to the high salinity–low sodium (C3S1) and high salinity–medium sodium (C3S2) classes, indicating elevated salinity but moderate sodium hazard. Water Quality Index (WQI) analysis showed that 43% of the samples were of excellent to good quality, whereas 19% were classified as poor. Approximately 80% of the samples exceeded the permissible limits for drinking water quality, primarily due to elevated salinity and dissolved constituents. In contrast, nearly 80% of the samples were suitable for irrigation based on hydrochemical indices. These findings demonstrate the influence of seasonal hydrogeochemical processes on groundwater quality and highlight the need for continuous monitoring and effective groundwater management to ensure its sustainable use for domestic and agricultural purposes.

Keywords: Hydrogeochemistry, water quality index, drinking water, irrigation water quality, groundwater assessment

[This article belongs to Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management ]

How to cite this article: Bollepally Swami, Kunsoth Sreenu. Evaluating Groundwater Suitability for Both Domestic and Agricultural Uses in Shaligowraram Mandal, Nalgonda District, Telangana State. Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management. 2026; 13(02):8-18.
How to cite this URL: Bollepally Swami, Kunsoth Sreenu. Evaluating Groundwater Suitability for Both Domestic and Agricultural Uses in Shaligowraram Mandal, Nalgonda District, Telangana State. Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management. 2026; 13(02):8-18. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jowrem/article=2026/view=257887

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received 21/04/2026
Accepted 26/05/2026
Published 28/05/2026
Publication Time 37 Days

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