Assessment and mapping of water quality index in Prakasam district, A.P. using geographical information systems

Assessment of the ground water quality has always been paramount in the field of environmental quality management. Some of the villages in Prakasam District have a special significance and needs greater attention of all concerned since it is the only major source for domestic consumption. In the present study, the ground water quality of Prakasam District has been studied. The coordinates of the district lies between 50° 30’ N latitudes and 80° 03’ E longitudes. The ground water samples have been collected from different places of Prakasam District were analyzed in the laboratory using standard procedures given by APHA. Prakasam District map has been collected from district collector office and sampling locations have been taken using GPS. From the analyzed data, water quality index has been calculated using weighted average method. The data base obtained from water quality index values are used as attribute data base for preparation of thematic map showing distribution of water quality index. The result of the work is presented in the form of map which is to be used for better understanding of the present water quality scenario of the study area. The variations of water quality in different places were also discussed.