ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY OF GODAVARI RIVER AT NASHIK, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Godavari is the second largest river in India. It originates from Triambakeswar, Nashik, Maharashtra and finally discharges into the Bay of Bengal near Narasapuram in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The study covers about 24 km of river starting from Gangapur dam to Dasak village. Fifteen locations were selected for collection of water samples from the river and water samples were analysed for water quality parameters. It was observed that untreated or partially treated sewage alongwith industrial wastewater is entering into the river at twelve prominent locations in the study stretch. This data was used to compute the value of National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index(NSFWQI), mostly applicable in USA and India. The results of NSFWQI of Godavari river indicates that its water quality as ‘Good’ (70-90) from Gangapur dam to Someshwar, ‘Bad’ (25-50) from Aanadwalli bridge to Samtanagar and ‘Very bad’ (0-25) at Agartakli STP downstream. Based upon the results, the existing conservation measures have been reviewed and additional measures are suggested. The study concludes that infiltration of sewage is the main precursor of Godavari river pollution and available sewage treatment facilities in the region are inadequate.