Comprehensive seasonal assessment of potable water in rural schools of Kurukshetra, Haryana: hydrogeochemical and multivariate statistical evaluation
Abstract
ABSTRACT Groundwater is the main drinking water source for rural schools in India, making its quality essential for protecting schoolchildren's health. This study assessed seasonal variations in groundwater quality across 25 rural schools in Kurukshetra district of Haryana by analyzing 14 physico-chemical parameters and two bacteriological indicators during the pre-monsoon, MON, and POM seasons. Major ion chemistry showed a typical alluvial pattern dominated by bicarbonate (HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+). WQI values indicated ‘excellent’ to ‘good’ quality in the pre-monsoon (26.18–43.50) but a decline during the MON (27.46–72.40) and POM (45.94–91.53) seasons, mainly due to increases in chloride, bicarbonate, and hardness along with higher microbial loads; 24% of schools exceeded WHO limits for total coliforms, which ranged from
Fields of Study & Subjects
Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry
Fluoride Effects and Removal
Fecal contamination and water quality
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Water Practice & Technology
- Publisher
- IWA Publishing
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 487–505
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN