WATER QUALITY STATUS OF AN URBAN LAKE, DAL IN KASHMIR HIMALAYA, INDIA

Accurate and timely information describing aquatic ecosystems and their changes over time, especially in urban areas, are becoming more important. The present study analyzed the water quality status of an urban lake, Dal in Kashmir Valley. Water quality parameters were assessed using standard methodology of American Public Health Administration. The physico-chemical and biological analysis of surface water quality revealed that the lake is heavily polluted with organic and inorganic wastes of human origin. The water quality data pertaining to various physio-chemical and biological parameters of Dal Lake were compared with the standards set forth by World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking purposes, and it was found that certain parameters like pH, alkalinity, and coliform have crossed the desirable limits. The water quality index (WQI) of the lake ranged from 185.8 in winter to a maximum of 17217.7 in summer, hence, the waters of the lake are not suitable for drinking water purposes. Overall, the anthropogenic activities like dumping of raw fecal matter from houseboats, untreated sewage from settlements, and fertilizer runoff from the catchment areas are found to be the main factors responsible for nutrient enrichment and water quality degradation of this important urban lake. Therefore, a continuous program of water quality monitoring across the lake surface to maintain the health of the lake is needed to ensure the betterment of this important aquatic ecosystem.