Reservoir Water Quality and Irrigation – A Case Study of Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra

The reservoir water quality is being deteriorated due to change in natural climate and manual influence. The water quality of the reservoirs is affected due to wastewater disposal from metropolitan urban and rural areas, human and animal faces resulting eutrophication, excessive use of fertilizers, Industrial wastes, etc. The paper includes water quality data analyzed and interpreted for various designated uses of Jayakwadi dam for years together in Maharashtra State through Hydrology Project under Water Resources Department Government of Maharashtra. Jayakwadi is one of the major dam in India. Case study of Jayakwadi dam is considered for the study. Jayakwadi dam is constructed. in Marathwada Region of Maharashtra and mainly constructed for domestic and irrigational developments in low rainfall zone of Maharashtra. Now-a-days it is also useful for power generation, Fisheries, industrial developments. A Major dam Jayakwadi is having Catchment area of 21,750 sq km, length 10.20 m and gross storage capacity 2909 Mcum and having total irrigable command area - 2,77,207 ha. The paper includes all the activities, water pollution due to various activities performed in the area during study period and its effects on irrigation development and water pollution status in this region. The findings in this paper will playa vital role in creating awareness regarding water quality throughout the region and become important reerence material for administrative and educational institutions.