Abstract :

The backwaters of Jayakwadi Dam, situated on the Godavari River in Maharashtra, constitute a critical water resource for the drought-prone Marathwada region. Known as the Nath Sagar Reservoir, this expansive water body plays a vital role in sustaining ecological balance and supporting human activities. It serves as a primary source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use, particularly benefiting the urban and peri-urban areas of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. During periods of water scarcity, the reservoir ensures water availability for both rural and urban populations, highlighting its regional importance.

This study aims to evaluate the Water Quality Index (WQI) of surface water from selected backwater stations of the Nath Sagar Reservoir to determine its suitability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial applications. Water samples were collected from multiple locations and analyzed for ten key physicochemical parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorides, nitrates, sulphates, total alkalinity, total hardness, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and dissolved oxygen (DO). These indicators were selected for their significance in assessing water quality and potential environmental and health impacts.

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Keywords :

Nath Sagar Dam, physicochemical parameters, Surface Water., Water Quality Index (WQI)

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