'Groundwater' is a valuable resource occurring beneath the surface of Earth and plays an essential role in supporting agriculture, industry, and daily human activities. However, its overexploitation and quality degradation have only recently gained significant attention. Monitoring groundwater in the 21st century presents unique challenges due to the increasing presence of chemicals from industrial, agricultural, and household sources that seep into these underground reserves.

Advancements in Groundwater Monitoring

In recent years, substantial progress has been made in groundwater technology, particularly in assessing water quality. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has undertaken a notable effort in this direction, which has implemented a systematic approach to groundwater quality assessment. For the first time, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for monitoring groundwater quality has been adopted, ensuring consistency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The use of globally recognized methodologies further enhances the reliability and scientific validity of these assessments.

Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024: Comprehensive Analysis and Findings

The CGWB report presents a detailed analysis of groundwater quality across India, leveraging data from over 15,200 monitoring stations and trend analyses at 4,982 locations. By identifying spatial and temporal variations, the report highlights critical insights into groundwater quality and potential contamination risks.

Key findings include:

1. Water Chemistry: Calcium dominates the cation composition, followed by sodium and potassium. For anions, bicarbonate is most prevalent, with chloride and sulfate following. This indicates that groundwater in most regions is of the Calcium-Bicarbonate type.
2. Contamination: Localized instances of nitrate, fluoride, and arsenic contamination were observed in specific regions, necessitating focused remediation efforts.
3. Seasonal Trends: Seasonal changes, such as improved water quality due to monsoon recharge, were evident in parameters like Electrical Conductivity (EC) and fluoride levels.
4. Agricultural Suitability: Over 81% of groundwater samples were found suitable for irrigation based on Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) levels. However, localized issues with high sodium content and RSC values require intervention to prevent soil degradation.
5. North-Eastern States: Groundwater quality in this region was found to be excellent for irrigation across all samples tested.

Implications for Stakeholders

The report serves as a critical scientific resource for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders involved in groundwater management. By adopting a data-driven approach, it provides actionable insights to promote sustainable groundwater use, mitigate contamination risks, and enhance adaptive water management practices.

Way Forward

The findings underline the importance of informed decision-making to ensure groundwater sustainability. Localized issues such as contamination and soil degradation must be addressed through targeted interventions and improved practices. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, researchers, and community stakeholders are essential to safeguard this invaluable resource for future generations.

Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024