“Water” is a prime natural resource and is considered as a precious national asset. It is a major constituent of all living beings. Water is available in two basic forms Le. Surface water and Ground water. Water is used for various purposes ranging from domestic, agriculture to industrial & allied purposes. The water quality criteria have been prepared by taking into consideration various designated uses. In order to assess the quality of water, various government agencies are working at National and State levels. The paper includes water quality data analyzed in Maharashtra State for the year 2004–05 by various National and State level agencies appointed by the committee under “Water Quality Assessment Authority“. The data has, been interpreted to know the affected locations. The paper also includes details of water bodies, agencies analyzing water quality, legal aspects in terms of various Central and State Government acts and standards specified for water quality assessment along with recommendations for maintaining the wholesomeness of surface as well as ground water. The findings in this paper will play a vital role in creating awareness regarding water quality throughout the State.
Water bodies, Surface water, Ground water, Water pollution, Hot spots, Legal aspects
