An assessment of water quality parameters in Dal Lake Dharamshala: A case study

The organic and inorganic pollutant load in the Dal Lake has accelerated macrophytic development, lowering the water quality and biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the lake and as a result, lowering the recreational and aesthetic appeal of the lake, resulting in its degradation. A Water Quality Assessment is a helpful method for simplifying, monitoring, and analyzing the data collected from any given water source. A basic measure of water quality can be extracted from a water quality assessment based on a few main parameters. In general, water quality data derived from various water quality parameters would appear to indicate a water body's health status. This paper details the changes in the water quality of Dal Lake over the recent past. The paper analyses the strategies that can be implemented to manage the lake and restore its quality if appropriately implemented.