Groundwater Suitability for drinking in Semi-arid Environments : A Case Study from Mahendragarh District, Haryana, India

Groundwater quality assessment is critical in semi-arid regions where dependency on groundwater is high and alternative water sources are limited. In Mahendragarh district, Haryana, located along the Aravalli ranges, groundwater suitability for drinking purpose was evaluated using the Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI). Sixteen physicochemical parameters were analyzed, and results revealed that only 7.7% of total samples fell in the excellent category, 30.8% good, whereas 3.8% poor, 23% very poor, and 35% unsuitable for drinking. The deterioration of quality in poor to unsuitable categories was primarily linked to high salinity, which poses health risks if consumed without treatment. Geogenic factors, including silicate weathering, fracture zones, and mineralogical influences were found to be major controls on groundwater chemistry. This study, the first comprehensive DWQI-based groundwater quality evaluation in the region using Geographic Information System (GIS), emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and targeted management to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water supply.