A Comparative Study on Water Quality Dynamics in Saharanpur District with Reference to Monsoon Fluctuations

Water is one of the most essential natural resources for sustaining life and maintaining environmental balance. The quality of water is directly related to human health, agricultural productivity, and ecological stability. Groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water in many parts of India, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where access to treated surface water is limited. However, increasing population growth, rapid urbanization, industrial activities, and intensive agricultural practices have significantly affected the quality of groundwater resources. Monitoring groundwater quality is therefore essential for ensuring safe drinking water and sustainable environmental management. The present study focuses on the comparative analysis of groundwater quality dynamics in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh with special reference to seasonal changes caused by monsoon fluctuations. The monsoon season plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge and significantly influences the physicochemical characteristics of water. Heavy rainfall during the monsoon period contributes to the dilution of dissolved substances and replenishment of groundwater aquifers, whereas during the pre-monsoon season evaporation and limited recharge may lead to increased concentration of dissolved minerals and salts. In order to evaluate seasonal variations in water quality, groundwater samples were collected from different locations across Saharanpur district including Saharanpur city, Deoband, Nakur, Gangoh, and Rampur Maniharan. These sampling locations represent urban, semi-urban, and agricultural environments of the district. Water samples were collected during two distinct seasons: the pre-monsoon season and the post-monsoon season. The collected samples were analyzed in the laboratory for important physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, chloride concentration, and alkalinity using standard analytical methods recommended by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The results of the study revealed noticeable seasonal variations in groundwater quality parameters. Most of the measured parameters showed relatively higher concentrations during the pre-monsoon period, which can be attributed to evaporation, reduced groundwater recharge, and concentration of dissolved ions. In contrast, the post-monsoon samples exhibited comparatively lower concentrations of dissolved substances due to dilution effects caused by rainwater infiltration and groundwater recharge. The study demonstrates that monsoon rainfall plays an important role in improving groundwater quality by reducing the concentration of dissolved salts and minerals.