Comprehensive Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality in Sironcha Tehsil, Maharashtra: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Health Risk Assessment

The easy access to the clean drinking water is a requisite for the health of dependent population. However drinking water quality degradation remains a significant challenge, especially in the regions, where groundwater acts as a key source. The groundwater regimes are more vulnerable to the contamination, because of its physical setup. Hence, thoughtful efforts are certainly needed to take over groundwater contamination issues. This study evaluates the physico- chemical quality of drinking water from Sironcha Tehsil of Gadchiroli District in the state of Maharashtra, India, by analysing the parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Total Hardness, Nitrate, Chloride, Fluoride, and Iron. The results were then compared with the standards prescribed by WHO, to depict the contamination patterns. Apart of the pH and fluoride, rest of the parameters comprising TDS, nitrate, and iron were exceeding the safe thresholds in several samples. The elevated nitrate levels could be attributed to the agricultural runoff; whereas, the geo-genic sources could be held accountable for the high iron concentrations. These apexes pose an undisputed health risk to the dependent population. The correlations among parameters were also measured to sort out the probable contamination sources. In comprehensive picture, the findings underscore the need for targeted water treatment and sustainable management strategies for the study area. This study provides critical insights for the policymakers and public health officials, emphasizing regular monitoring and region specific interventions to ensure safe drinking water.