GROUND WATER QUALITY MAPPING

Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM)

METHODOLOGY MANUAL

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation National Remote Sensing Centre

Govt. of India Indian Space Research Organisation
New Delhi - 110003 Dept. of Space, Govt. of India National Remote Sensing Centre
www.ddws.gov.in Hyderabad - 500037 Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation Indian Space Research Organisation
www.nrsc.gov.in nrsc Govt. of India Dept. of Space, Govt. of India
Ground Water Quality Mapping
Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM)

Methodology Manual

Hydrogeology Group, RSA

National Remote Sensing Centre
Indian Space Research Organisation
Dept. of Space, Govt. of India
Hyderabad, 500 037

December, 2011

I
 NATIONAL REMOTE SENSING CENTRE
REPORT / DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

1. Security Classification Unclassified – Only for official use

ISRO/DOS Centres, Partner Institutes of RGNDWM

2. Distribution Project and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation,
Govt. of India, New Delhi
Report / Document
3. (a) Issue No. 01
version
Report / Document
4. Technical Manual
Type
Document Control
5.
Number
Ground Water Quality mapping for Rajiv Gandhi
6. Title
National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM)
Pages Figures Tables References
7. Particulars of collation
76 23 18 0
G. Sreenivasa Reddy, Dr. S. K. Subramanian
8. Author(s)
and Dr. G. Behera
RS & GIS-AA, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO/
9. Affiliation of authors
Dept. of Space, Govt. of India, Hyderabad
Compiled/ Reviewed by:
Approved by:
Controlled by: Head,
10. Scrutiny mechanism Deputy Director,
Hydrogeology Hydrogeology
RS & GIS - AA
Division Division
Hydrogeology Division, RS & GIS-AA, National Remote
11. Originating unit Sensing Centre, ISRO/Dept. of Space, Govt. of India,
Hyderabad-500 037
Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission
Sponsor Name and
12. (RGNDWM), Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation,
Address
Govt. of India, New Delhi-110 011
13. Date of Initiation ---

14. Date of Publication December, 2011

This manual contains methodology/technical

guidelines to be followed for creating Spatial database
on Ground Water Quality using legacy data. The spatial
Abstract data base is in the form of a map showing Ground
15.
(with Keywords) Water Quality in terms of i) Desirable ii) Permissible and
iii) Non potable categories as per the BIS standards.
The manual is prepared for carrying out Ground Water
Quality mapping under RGNDWM project

III
 Contents

Page No.
1. Introduction 01
1.1 Background of ground water quality mapping programme 01
1.2 Objective and Scope of methodology manual 03
1.3 Relevance of methodology manual to the project 03

2. Outputs to be delivered under the project 07

2.1 Main Outputs 07
2.1.1 Region / State ground water quality map 07
2.1.2 Ground water quality map corresponding to 1:50,000 scale SOI toposheet 07
2.2 Intermediate Outputs 08
2.2.1 Legacy ground water quality data excel table 08
2.2.2 Ground water quality point data layer 08
2.2.3 Quality Parameter-wise ground water quality layers 08
2.2.4 Depth & Season-wise ground water quality layers 08

3. Input data to be used for ground water quality mapping 13

3.1 Legacy ground water quality data 13
3.2 Satellite data 15
3.3 Hydrogeomorphology (lithgeom) layer generated under RGNDWM project 17
3.4 Latitude-Longitude information to be collected for representative
ground water quality data points 17
3.5 Ground water quality data to be generated using field testing kits 18
3.6 Base map layers generated under RGNDWM project 18

4. Methodology to be followed for ground water quality mapping 21

4.1 Conceptual understanding on occurrence and dispersion
of ground water contaminants 21
4.2 Summary of ground water quality mapping methodology 22
4.3 Legacy ground water quality data formatting 23
Step 1 - Creation of legacy ground water quality data excel table 25
Step 2 - Elimination of redundant data points from excel table 26
Step 3 - Creation of geospatial positions to data points 27
Step 4 - Creation of attribute data to point features 28
4.4 Segregation of legacy ground water quality data points 29
Step 1 - Depth-wise segregation 29
Step 2 - Season-wise segregation 32
Step 3 - Mapping unit-wise segregation 33

V
 Page No.
4.5 Selection of representative legacy ground water quality data points 34
Step 1 - Editing of ground water quality data points for optimum distribution 34
Step 2 - Updating of ground water quality data points with lat-long data 35
Step 3 - Validation of ground water quality data of selected data points 35
Step 4 - Updating of attribute table of mapping unit-wise layer 35
4.6 Creation of quality parameter-wise ground water quality layers 36
Step1 - Data Interpolation 36
Step 2 - Classification of ground water quality data 41
Step 3 - Creation of attribute data 48
4.7 Creation of aquifer-wise ground water quality layer 50
Step1 - Layer integration 50
Step 2 - Attribute data creation 51
Step 3 - Classification of ground water quality units 53
Step 4 - Dissolving of duplicate units 55
4.8 Creation of region-wise ground water quality layer 56
4.8.1 Mosaic creation 56
4.8.2 Validation 57
4.9 Generation of ground water quality map 58
4.9.1 Map composition 58
4.9.2 Generation of regional / state ground water quality map 58
4.9.3 Generation of 1:50,000 Scale toposheet-wise ground water quality map 60
4.9.3.1 Clipping 60
4.9.3.2 Creation of legend 61
5. Quality Assurance Mechanism and Accuracy Standards 67
5.1 Data contents to be quality evaluated 67
5.2 Parameters to be considered for accuracy evaluation 67
5.2.1 Datum and Projection 67
5.2.2 Thematic data accuracy 67
5.2.3 Digital data accuracy 68
5.3 Stages at which quality evaluation to be conducted 68
5.3.1 First Quality evaluation (QC-1) 68
5.3.2 Second Quality evaluation (QC-2) 68
5.3.3 Third Quality evaluation (QC-3) 68
5.4 Mechanism for quality evaluation 68
5.4.1 Internal Quality Evaluation 68
5.4.2 External Quality Evaluation 68
6. Project Orientation Training 75
7. Infrastructure 75
8. Preservation of data 75

VI
 List of Figures

Page No.

Figure-1: Sample legend of ground water prospects map providing information on

ground water quality 01

Figure-2: IRS P6 LISS III Satellite image showing aquifers and boundary conditions 17

Figure-3: Flow chart depicting ground water quality mapping methodology 24

Figure-4: Ground water quality point data layer, part of Agra Dist., U.P 28

Figure-5: Aquifer unit layer of part of Agra Dist., UP 31

Figure-6: Ground water quality point data layer, part of Agra Dist., U.P 34

Figure-7: Ground water quality point data layer, APO12 aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP 39

Figure-8: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element in raster format,

APO12 aquifer unit of part of Agra Dist., UP 40

Figure-9: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element with automatic classes,
APO12 aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP 41

Figure-10: Schematic diagram showing classification of ground water quality

as per BIS Standards 45

Figure-11: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element with reclassified classes,
APO12 aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP 47

Figure-12: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element in shape file format,
APO12 aquifer unit of part of Agra Dist., UP 48

Figure-13: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element, APO12 aquifer unit,
part of Agra Dist., UP with updated attribute table 49

Figure-14: Integrated ground water quality layer with automatic classes,

APO-12 aquifer unit, parts of Agra Dist., UP 51

Figure-15: Integrated ground water quality layer with classes as per BIS Standards,
APO-12 aquifer, part of Agra Dist., UP 56

Figure-16: Integrated ground water quality layer, part of Agra Dist., UP 57

Figure-17: Integrated ground water quality layer, part of Agra Dist., UP

showing miss-classified ground water quality data sample locations 58

VII
 Page No.

Figure-18: Ground water quality map template 59

Figure-19: Ground water quality map, part of Agra Dist, U.P 60

Figure-20: 1:50,000 scale toposheet grid 60

Figure-21: Ground water prospects map, part of Agra Dist., U.P (map part),
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6 61

Figure-22a: Ground water prospects map, part of Agra Dist., U.P (legend fixed part),
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6 62

Figure-22b: Ground water prospects map, part of Agra Dist., U.P (legend dynamic part),
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6 62

Figure-23: Sample Ground water prospects map, part of Agra Dist., U.P
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6 64

VIII
 List of Tables

Page No.

Table-1: List of outputs to be generated under the project 09

Table-2: Sample legacy ground water quality data proforma available with Jalnigam,
Agra Dist, U.P 14

Table-3: Parameters considered for ground water quality mapping 16

Table-4: Legacy ground water quality data excel table pertaining to part of
Agra Dist, UP 26

Table-5: Sample ground water quality data points of Allagi-B habitation,

Gulbarga Dist., Karnataka 27

Table-6: Data base structure of mapping unit-wise ground water quality point data layer 37

Table-7: List of numeric codes to be used for representing type of well 36

Table-8: List of alphabetic codes to be used for naming element-wise

ground water quality layers 41

Table-9: Concentration limits of elements for classification of ground water quality 46

Table-10: Data base structure of ground water quality layer of Fluoride 48

Table -11: List of numerical codes to be used for representing element-wise

ground water quality classes 49

Table-12: List of symbol codes to be used for representing element-wise

ground water quality classes on the map 49

Table-13: List of alphabetic codes to be used for naming integrated

ground water quality layers 51

Table-14: Data base structure of integrated ground water quality layer 52

Table-15: List of numerical codes to be used for representing integrated

ground water quality classes 52

Table-16: List of symbol codes to be used for representing integrated

ground water quality classes on the maps 54

Table-17: NNRMS standards-parameters and values for thematic /

GIS database and output for 1:50,000 scale 69

Table-18a: NSF parameters of LCC projection system for 1:50,000 & larger scale 71

Table-18b: NSF parameters of TM projection system for 1:50,000 & larger scale 72

IX
Introduction
1. Introduction under different phases of the project. Preparation
of maps for remaining part of the country is to be
1. 1 Background of ground water quality completed by December 2012.
mapping programme
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) / ISRO, The ground water prospects maps provide
Dept. of Space, Govt. of India, in collaboration information on i) potential zones for occurrence
with partner institutions, is preparing ground of ground water and ii) suitable locations for
water prospects maps using remote sensing site-specific recharge structures. The maps are
and GIS technology under Rajiv Gandhi National being used by state line departments of the
Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM) project. The ministry for locating drinking water sources in
project is sponsored by RGNDWM, Ministry of rural habitations, particularly Not Covered (NC)
Drinking Water and Sanitation, Govt. of India. The and Partially Covered (PC) habitations as well as
ground water prospects maps have already been sites for constructing recharge structures that are
prepared for major part of the country (20 states) specific to given location to improve sustainability

Figure-1: Sample legend of ground water prospects map providing information on ground water quality

LEGEND
GROUND WATER PROSPECTS
RECHARGE HOMOGENEITY IN RECHARGE
MAPUNIT TYPES OF WELLS DEPTEH
DEPTH TO WATER TABLE (IN CONDITIONS THE AQUIFER GROUND STRUCTURES
(HYDROGEOMORPHIC UNIT) GEOLOGICAL GEOMORPHIC UNIT/ AQUIFERMATERIAL SUITABLE RANGE OF YIELD RANGE QUALITY OF
METERS) (BASED ON THE LS-LOOSE SEDIMENT BW- WELLS &SUCCESS RATE WATER SUITABLE & PRIORITY
(REPRESENTED IN THE MAP SEQUENCE/ ROCKTYPE LANDFORM DW-DUG WELL OF WELLS WATER
AVAILABILITY OF PR-PERMEABLE ROCK PT - PERCOLATION TANK REMARKS
WITH ALPHANUMERIC CODE) (REPRESENTED IN THE MAP WITH (REPRESENTED IN THE MAP WITH ___________________ WATER FROM
BORE WELL TW- (SUGGEST (EXPECTED) OF WELLS POTABLE (P) IRRIGATED AREA CD - CHECK \DAM
WR-WEATHERED ROCK TUBE WELL DBW/DTW- (PROBABILITY) VERY (PROBLEMS/LIMITATIONS)
(COLOUR INDICATES GROUND NUMERIC CODE) ALPHABETIC CODE) No. OF WELLS OBSERVED RAINFALL & OTHER ED) Min- (in lpm or NON POTABLE (APPROX NB - NALA BUND
FR-FRACTURED ROCK DUG CUM HIGH HIGH
WATER PROSPECTS)
SOURCES) IR-IMPERVIOUS ROCK BORE/TUBE WELL Max cu.m/day) MODERATE
(NP) RANGE IN %) IW - INVERT WELL
DT - DESILTING OFTANK
RW-RING WELL (in meters) LOW
RP - RECHARGE PIT

PEDIPLAIN WEATHERED
CD/PT Prospects restricted to sediment above dolerite
PPS-38 SHALLOW ____ Limited WR DW 10-15m 10-15 Cu.m/day Low ____ ____
HIGH sill.
(PPS)

PEDIMENT Prospects restricted to weathered & fractured

BASIC UBTRYSUVE

PD-38 ____ Poor FR BW 80-90m 10-15 LPM Poor ____ ____ ____
(PD) zone.
DOLERITE
PEDIPALIN INSELBERG
SILL/DYKE Prospects restricted to weathered & fractured
R
PIC-38 COMPLEX ____ Poor FIR BW 80-100m <10 LPM Poor ____ ____ ____
(38) zone.
(PIC)
HOMOGENEITY IN
DH-38
DENUDATIONAL HILL
____ ____ ____ ____ ____
THE AQUIFER
____ ____ ____ ____ ____
GROUND
Generally forms run-off zone. S
(DH)
E QUALITY OF
Forms run-off zone and act as barrier. S
DR D-D
DYKE RIDGE
____ ____ ____ ____ ____
&SUCCESS
____ ____
RATE ____ ____ ____
WATER
(DR D-D)
WATER P
VFS-532 VALLEY FILL SHALLOW (VFS) ____ Very Good LS
DW
BW/TW
10-15m
20-30m
OF WELLS
70-80 Cu.m/day
140-170 LPM
Very High P
POTABLE
____
(P) LOW IRRIGATED
PT
sediments. AREA C
General casing required to cover loose

(PROBABILITY) VERY NON____

POTABLE (APPROX
FPS-532
FLOOD PALIN SHALLOW
____ Very Good LS
DW 10-15m 70-80 Cu.m/day
High P ____ N
General casing required upto weathered zone.
(FPS) BW/TW 30-50m
HIGH
150-180 LPM
HIGH
PEDIPLAIN WEATHERED
MODERATE
(NP)
PT/CD
RANGE IN %) IW
PPS-532 SHALLOW
(PPS)
4-12 / 23 wells Good WR BW/TW 60-70m 60-80 LPM Moderate P 1-2 %
HIGH D
Turbidity in water due to friable sandstone.

LOW
UPPER GONDWANA

PD-532
PEDIMENT
6-18 / 10 wells Limited PR BW 70-80m 30-50 LPM Limited P ____
CD/PT
Better prospects at greater depth.
R
SANDSTONE (PD) HIGH
(532) PEDIMENT INSELBERG
CD
PIC-532 COMPLEX 14 / 1 well Limited PR BW 90-100m 20-40 LPM Low P ____ Better prospects at greater depth.
HIGH
(PIC)

I-532
INSELBERG
(I)
____ ____ ____ ____ y____ ____ Low____ ____ ____
P
____ ____ ____
Forms run-off zone.

Generally forms run-off zone. Prospects limited to

DENUDATIONAL HILL
DH-532 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ valley portion-prospects <10 LPM at >80m. Depth
(DH)
expected.

STRUCTURAL HILL Prospects limited to valley portion and fractured

NP
SH-532 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
(SH) zone.

FLOOD PALIN SHALLOW Poor ____ ____

FPS-531
(FPS)
____ Very Good LS TW 30-50m 150-200 LPM Very High P
Saline
____ ____ General casing required upto weathered zone.

PEDIPLAIN WEATHERED
DW 10-15m 30-50 Cu.m/day PT/CD Deeper range of borewell require to intersect
LOWER GONDWANA

PPS-531 SHALLOW 6-8 / 4 wells Good WR High P ____

BW/TW 60-70m 60-100 LPM HIGH more aquifer zone.
(PPS)
SANDSTONE
& PEDIMENT DW 10-15m 20-25 Cu.m/day CD/PT Bore wells of deeper range require to intersect
PD-531 6-15 / 2 wells Moderate PR Moderate P ____
SHALE (PD) BW 60-80m 45-50 LPM HIGH more aquifer zone.
(531)
PEDIMENT INSELBERG
Poor ____ CD
____
Bore wells of deeper range require to intersect
PIC-531 COMPLEX ____ Limited PR BW 80-90m 20-40 LPM Low P ____
LOW more aquifer zone.
(PIC)

DENUDATIONAL HILL
DH-531 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Generally forms run-off zone. Prospects <10 LPM
(DH)
at depth >80m. expected.

F F
These are fault / fracture zones, which generally act as conduits for movement of ground water in hard rocks. Along these zones, the yields are significantly higher and wells are likely to be sustainable for longer duration. However, the inferred fractures need to be confirmed by detailed ground surveys.

D D Q Q P P
Q P P These are dykes, quartz reefs, pegmatites etc. which generally act as barriers for ground water movement.
D D Q
Q

N.B.-The depth range and yield range of wells may vary within the unit because of certain inhomogeneities. Fractures/Lineaments which are clearly observed / inferred from the satellite image are indicated on the map. These could be some obscured fractures which also influence the ground water prospects.
Locations of the recharge structures shown in the map are tentative. This map is useful for narrowing down the target zones,and exact location on the ground for wells and recharge structures should be indentified based on follow-up ground hydrogeological/geophysical surveys.

1
of the drinking water sources. As per the reports drilling new wells from time to time. At the time
of state line departments, success rate of wells of drilling these new wells, quality of ground
drilled using these maps is of the order of 85%- water is being tested by analysing ground water
95%. Similarly, a number of recharge structures samples collected from the wells. Thus, over a
are being constructed; as a result of which water period of time, the ground water quality data base
table is building up in many areas there by is being built by the line departments. It is also
making the drinking water sources sustainable. noticed that ground water quality data generated
from mainly Observation Wells is available
In addition to the information on ground water with different central and state government
availability and ground water sustainability, departments such as Central Ground Water Board
general information on ground water quality i.e., (CGWB), State Ground Water Departments, etc.
in terms of its potability, in case if ground water
is non-potable, the parameters that are making it Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
non-potable is also being provided in the ground requested National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
water prospects maps. This information is being / ISRO to create spatial database on ground water
provided as part of map legend in the 11th column quality as an exclusive data set using the legacy
against each map unit i.e. hydrogeomorphic ground water quality data along with ground
unit. A legend of ground water prospects map water prospects and ground water sustainability
providing information on ground water quality is maps. The spatial ground water quality data thus
shown in Figure-1, as an example for reference. In created is expected to serve as a critical input for
the figure, the 11th column in which information identifying potable drinking water sources to the
on ground water quality is given is shown as in rural habitations as well as for taking measures to
set and highlighted in red colour box. overcome the problem of ground water quality.
NRSC has accepted the request of the ministry
However, the information on ground water quality and taken up creation of spatial database on
that is provided in the ground water prospects ground water quality in the form of ground
map is derived based on existing reports / water quality map using the legacy ground water
observations made during field visits / enquiry quality data under Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking
from owners of the wells and users of the water. Water Mission (RGNDWM) project which is already
It is not generated based on ground water quality under execution for ground water prospects and
data derived from the analysis of ground water sustainability mapping. Initially, it is planned
samples, as it is not the objective of the project. to take up the ground water quality mapping in
Further, the information is not available in the Haryana, Bundelkhand and Agra Divisions of Uttar
form of exclusive spatial data layer; it is available Pradesh, 5 Districts of West Bengal and Arunachal
only in the form of attribute information of the Pradesh as part of Phase-III B of RGNDWM project.
hydrogeomorphic unit. Mapping in remaining parts UP and West Bengal
and other states is planned to take up under
Subsequently, it is found that there is legacy Phase-IV of the project.
ground water quality data available with state
line departments of the Ministry of Drinking
Water and Sanitation. The line departments, as
part of drinking water supply programme, are

2
1.2 Objective and Scope of main in put data. Occurrence and distribution of
methodology manual ground water quality is mapped in different layers
Fundamentally, quality of ground water varies taking hydrogeological conditions in to account.
in space and time and is not amenable for direct Spatial, temporal and parameter-wise, variations
measurement with present day technology. The of ground water quality have been brought out
quality of ground water can be known only at under integrated environment. The methodology
given locations based on the testing of ground thus developed is presented in this manual.
water samples under laboratory conditions.
1.3 Relevance of methodology manual
Therefore, it is a challenging task to know the
to the project
quality of ground water and create a map
The methodology has been developed basically
depicting the variations in all its dimensions.
for realizing the main output i.e. ground water
However, attempts have been made to map quality map which is to be delivered under
the quality of ground water by creating spatial RGNDWM project. Though other options are
reference to point locations for which the quality available for mapping quality of ground water,
of ground water is known. Maps showing two- the present methodology is tailor made to suit
dimensional variations of ground water quality the RGNDWM project requirements.
have also been prepared based on interpolation
Moreover, in view of voluminous work involved
of known point’s information using statistical
in ground water quality mapping of the country,
methods for some problematic areas. But the
it is planned to carry out the mapping work in
quality of ground water is depicted only in respect
collaboration with Partner Institutions (PIs). Large
of single parameters. All the parameters using
numbers of hydrogeologists and GIS experts are
which quality of ground water is tested have not
expected to be involved in ground water quality
been considered under integrated environment.
mapping. It is not expected that the ground
CGWB has published such maps on coarser
water quality maps are prepared based on the
scales. So far, no feasible methodology which can
methodology developed by the PIs. All the PIs
be adopted for mapping ground water quality
are to follow a common methodology. Unless
encompassing all its variations is available.
a common methodology is followed it is not
An effort is made, for the first time, to develop possible to bring out the out put ground water
a methodology for mapping quality of ground quality map with specified standards. All the PIs
water in respect of all its parameters on 1:50,000 have to adopt the methodology described in this
scale showing variations in space and time. It is manual so that the ground water quality map is
designed in such a way that the methodology can generated as per the specifications and standards
be adopted for carrying out ground water quality laid down for RGNDWM project.
mapping on operational basis. For developing the
methodology, the legacy ground water quality
data available in tabular format is considered as

3
Outputs to be delivered
under the project
2. Outputs to be delivered Standards (BIS). The ground water quality map
needs to be generated as an independent map;
under the project
not to be generated as one of the layers of ground
2.1 Main Outputs water prospects map which is also being prepared
2.1.1 Region / State ground water quality simultaneously under RGNDWM project.
map
2.1.2 Ground water quality map
Ground water quality map covering entire area
corresponding to 1:50,000 scale SOI
of given region or state is the main output that toposheet
has to be delivered under the project. There can
As mentioned earlier, ground water prospects
be maximum of two ground water quality maps, maps are also being generated under RGNDWM
one for shallow aquifer and the other for deeper project and these maps are on 1:50,000 scale
aquifer for the given region or state. Separate map corresponding to Survey of India (SOI) toposheet.
has to be generated for each aquifer. In each map, The ground water quality maps are also being
variations in the quality of ground water should prepared as part of the same RGNDWM project
be given in respect of various ground water and expected to be used in conjunction with the
quality parameters and seasons. There can be a ground water prospects maps. Therefore, one
maximum of 33 ground water quality parameters more set of ground water quality maps needs to
in respect of which the quality of ground water be prepared in the same format on same scale.
varies. Eight parameters – Ph, Alkalinity, Hardness,
Chloride, Fluoride, Iron, Nitrate, and Phosphate The toposheet-wise ground water quality maps
– which are common, are to be considered as a need not be prepared exclusively. They are to
mandate and remaining 25 parameters are to be be generated from the regional or state ground
considered depending on the availability of data water quality maps.
for the respective parameters in the input legacy
Further, it is difficult to achieve specified accuracy
ground water quality data. Similarly, there can be
if the toposheet-wise maps are generated
a maximum of two seasons, pre-monsoon and
straightaway. While creating surfaces from ground
post monsoon, in respect of which the quality of
water quality point data using interpolation
ground water varies. These variations are to be
techniques, the ground water quality units along
brought out in the map. If in case, the variation
the toposheet boundaries gets closed. This is not
could not be brought out due to lack of input
the correct way of representation of the water
ground water quality data for any part of the
quality distribution. This will create problem in
study area, quality of ground water pertaining to
edge matching and making seamless mosaic.
the season for which input ground quality data
Therefore, the mapping of ground water quality
is available in the legacy ground water quality needs to be carried out for a region or states
data only can be shown. The quality of ground at one go instead of mapping toposheet-wise.
water should be given in terms of its suitability for Subsequently, the regional or state map can
human consumption i.e. 1) Potable 2) Permissible be clipped 1:50000 scale toposheet-wise for
and 3) Non-potable as per Bureau of Indian generating toposheet-wise maps.

7
2.2 Intermediate Outputs for a total of maximum of 33x2x2 parameters. It is
In the process of generating the main output expected that the ground water quality layers are
ground water quality map, the following generated for those many parameters in the given
intermediate outputs needs to be generated. region or state. However, for practical purposes
such large number of layers may not required to
2.2.1 Legacy ground water quality data be generated as input ground water quality data
Excel table may not be there for present mapping purpose.
Excel table should contain habitation-wise
(drinking water source-wise) legacy ground water 2.2.4 Depth & Season-wise ground water
quality layers
quality data (parameter-wise) classified in terms of
shallow & deep aquifers and pre & post monsoon Integrated ground water quality layers are
seasons. generated by integrating the parameter-wise
ground water quality layers. The integration takes
2.2.2 Ground water quality point data layer place at two levels, first respective parameter-
Ground water quality point data layer is basically wise layers are integrated to generate season-
an initial ground water quality spatial layer. wise integrated layers and later on respective
It should contain ground water quality data season-wise integrated layers are once again
points whose actual latitude-longitude values integrated to generate aquifer-wise integrated
are known. It is expected that the layer should layers. Thus a maximum of six integrated layers
contain a minimum of 20-25 ground water quality are to be generated for the given region or state.
data points per 1: 50,000 scale SOI toposheet Integrated ground water quality layer should
area. These data points are going to form as input contain integrated ground water quality units
data for creating two-dimensional surfaces using whose ground water quality is classified as per BIS
interpolation techniques. standards. Aquifer-wise integrated ground water
quality layers are used for generating final ground
2.2.3 Quality Parameter-wise ground water water quality map.
quality layers
Parameter-wise ground water quality layers The sequence and the formats in which the
should contain ground water quality units intermediate and final outputs are generated are
whose ground water quality is classified in terms illustrated in Table-1.
of three classes - potable with desirable limits,
potable with permissible limits, non-potable as Along with the main output, all these
per BIS standards. As per BIS standards, maximum intermediate outputs are also to be generated
number of parameters in respect of which quality and delivered as independent outputs. The main
of ground water is tested is 33. Further, maximum and intermediate outputs are to be submitted to
number of aquifers in respect of which ground the project sponsoring organization, RGNDWM,
water quality varies are two and maximum Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation by
number of seasons in respect of which ground NRSC after completing the mapping work.
water quality varies are two. Therefore it accounts

8
 Table-1: List of outputs to be generated under the project
Table Layers Maps
Excel Format e00 & shape file format mxd Format
Ground water quality point data layer Regional / State Ground water
quality map
Legacy Quality Parameter-wise
Ground water ground water quality layers
Ground water quality map
quality data corresponding to
excel table Depth & Season – wise integrated ground SOI toposheet
water quality layers on 1:50,000 scale

9
Input data to be used for
ground water quality
mapping
3. Input data to be used website of the ministry is, obviously, in tabular
format. A proforma containing the legacy ground
for ground water
water quality data pertaining to part of Agra Dist.,
quality mapping U.P is shown in Table-2, as an example.

3.1 Legacy ground water quality data

In the legacy database, ground water quality
Legacy ground water quality data is the basic
data pertaining to one drinking water source is
data that is used for preparing ground water
presented as one record/entity. For reference
quality map. As mentioned earlier, state line
purpose, each record/entity can be treated as
departments of Ministry of Drinking Water and
one ground water quality data point. In each
Sanitation, as part of their drinking water supply
record/entity, details pertaining to i) location
programme, are generating ground water quality
of drinking water source i.e, well from which
data from i) ground water samples collected from
ground water sample for testing were collected
new wells at the time of development of the
ii) type of well from which ground water sample
well itself and ii) ground water samples collected
is collected iii) date on which ground water
once in every year from all the wells that are
sample was collected and tested and iv) results
used as drinking water sources. As the data is
of testing i.e. quality of ground water of the
being generated since long, it is expected that
tested sample is given. Information pertaining
the ground water quality database generated by
to location of drinking water source is given in
the line departments contains data pertaining
descriptive form by mentioning District name,
to all habitations and all ground water quality
Block / Taluq name, Panchayat name, Habitation
variables. Original data is available with state line
name, within the habitation school /temple / bus
departments and a copy of it is also uploaded
stand / nearby house name, etc. Exact location
on to IMIS web site, www.indiawater.gov.in/
in terms of latitudes and longitudes for either
IMISWeb/RWSSMain.aspx of the ministry. This
habitation or the well from which ground water
legacy ground water quality data is expected to
sample is collected is not available. It is to be
be collected by concerned Partner Institutions
noted that more than one or sometimes up to
from respective state line departments. The
ten drinking water sources are there with same
data also can be downloaded from the web site
descriptive information (habitation name) except
of the ministry. However for opening the site
one description pertaining to location within
to download the data, password is required.
habitation. Information pertaining to type of
Password can be taken from respective state line
well is given as Open Dug well / Shallow Tube
department or from the ministry.
well / Deep Bore well. This indicates depth to
which ground water sample belongs. Information
The legacy ground water quality data that is
pertaining to date is given in the form of date/
there with line departments is expected to be
month/year. It is given separately for ground
available in record books or in proformas and
water sample collection and testing. In many
charts. In some cases, it may also available in soft
cases, laboratory name where testing is done is
copy tables. Whereas the data that is there in the

13
 Table-2: Sample legacy ground water quality data proforma
available with Jalnigam, Agra District, U.P

14
also given. As far as the information pertaining deep aquifers is available in the legacy ground
to quality of ground water is concerned, the water quality database for preparing the ground
parameters in respect of which ground water water quality map under the project. If it is not
quality is tested are listed. The quality in respect available, data pertaining to previous hydrological
of each parameter is indicated in terms of cycles also can be considered, but not exceeding
concentration value. more than three cycles which means past three
years data.
It is to be noted that as per Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS), quality of ground water is tested Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is also
in respect of a maximum of 33 parameters as generating ground water quality data twice in
listed in Table-3. a year, once in pre monsoon and other time in
post monsoon seasons by analyzing the water
But, normally it is not tested for all these 33 samples collected from the observation wells
parameters in all regions as a mandate since being maintained by them. However, density of
ground water is not expected to be contaminated the ground water quality data points is very less.
with all constituents in the given region. Hence, This data can be used as a reference data set
with regard to parameter-wise quality, the legacy while segregating state line department’s legacy
ground water quality data may not contain data ground water quality data in to different depths
pertaining to all these 33 parameters in each and and seasons.
every region or state. It is expected that in most
of the regions or states, the ground water quality 3.2 Satellite Data
data may available for only few parameters out Geological material is the source for
of these 33 parameters. Further, the kind of contamination of ground water in respect of
parameters for which the legacy ground water major water quality parameters. In addition,
quality data is available also varies from region dispersion of ground water contaminants is
to region or state to state. The parameters for governed by hydro geological properties of
which data is available in the legacy ground geological material. Satellite data is to be used
water quality data, such parameters only are to be to know type of geological material and its hydro
considered for ground water quality mapping. It geological properties. Since aquifer is the unit
is to be noted that the 33 parameters listed in the area for measuring both the type of geological
table-2 are the maximum number of parameters material and the hydro geological properties,
in respect of which the quality of ground water, it is considered as unit area for mapping the
can be tested. quality of ground water. Satellite data is to be
used for mapping the aquifers thereby mapping
It is expected that one set of ground water quality the distribution of ground water quality. Satellite
data covering all habitations (as per SOI toposheet image pertaining to parts of Bundelkhand region
on 1:50,000 scale) i.e., data belonging to one of U.P showing spatial distribution of geological
latest hydrological cycle (consecutive pre and one material and the boundary conditions is given in
post monsoon season’s data) for both shallow and Figure-2, as an example.

15
 Table-3: Parameters considered for ground water quality mapping
Sl. No Parameter Unit
1 pH  --
2 Total Hardness (as CaCo3) mg/l
Desirable
3 Iron   (as Fe) mg/l
4 Chlorides  (as Cl) mg/l
5 Total Dissolved solids  (TDS) mg/l
6 Bicarbonate (as HCO3) mg/l
7 Calcium  (as Ca) mg/l
8 Magnesium (as Mg) mg/l
9 Nitrate  (as NO3) mg/l
10 Sulphate  (as SO4) mg/l
11 Permissible Fluoride (as F) mg/l
12 Manganese (as Mn) mg/l
13 Sodium* (as Na) mg/l
14 Potassium* (as K) mg/l
15 Arsenic (as As) mg/l
16 Phenolic Compounds   (as C 6H5OH) mg/l
17 Mercury (as Hg) mg/l
18 Cadmium (as Cd) mg/l
19 Selenium (as Se) mg/l
20 Copper    (as Cu) mg/l
21 Cyanide (as CN) mg/l
22 Lead  (as Pb) mg/l
23 Zinc   (as Zn) mg/l
24 Anionic detergents  (as MBAS) mg/l
Non-potable
25 Chromium (as Cr6+)mg/l
Polynuclear aromatic
26 (as PAH) mg/l
hydrocarbons
27 Mineral Oil  mg/l
28 Pesticides  mg/l
29 Radioactive α emitters pci/l
30 Radioactive β emitters  pci/l
31 Alkalinity mg/l
32 Aluminium  (as Al) mg/l
33 Boron  (as B) mg/l
(Source: Bureau of Indian Standars)

*Generally not tested for drinking water; but for carrying out cation/anion balance analysis
for testing of accuracy, aquifer evolution and agriculture pollution.

16
 Figure-2: IRS P6 LISS III Satellite image showing aquifers and boundary conditions

The satellite data also to be used as a platform on interpretation of satellite data which requires
for organizing the legacy ground water quality expertise in image interpretation. Already
data in to different spatial and temporal entities such information is derived and mapped as
and for evaluating their aquifer-wise density hydrogeomorphology layer (lithgeom layer -
and representativeness. The satellite data is also containing combined information on rock types
to be used for characterizing the ground water and landforms in polygon form) under RGNDWM
quality parameters in to either geogenic or project. This hydro geomorphology layer can be
anthropogenic. used so that interpretation of satellite data can
be avoided. However, the hydrogeomorphology
IRS P6 LISS III data of WGS 84 Datum and LCC/TM layer contains even minor aquifer units which
Projection (as per National Survey Framework; need not be considered for ground water quality
refer Table-18a&b for state-wise projection mapping. Such aquifer units can be dissolved
parameters) is to be used as input data for ground in relevant aquifer units based on the combined
water quality mapping. It is to be noted that same study and analysis of satellite data and the
satellite data is being used as input data for Land hydrogeomorphology layer.
Use/Land Cover mapping under LU/LC Project
and also for ground water prospects mapping 3.4 Latitude-Longitude information to
under RGNDWM phase IV project. be collected for representative ground
water quality data points
3.3 Hydrogeomorphology (lithgeom) As mentioned earlier, the legacy ground water
layer generated under RGNDWM project quality data points i.e., the wells from which
Information on geological material and ground water samples collected, tested and
boundary conditions has to be derived based created ground water quality data have location

17
information only in descriptive form. Latitude- 8 elements. In case if any discrepancy between
Longitude information is required for creating legacy and FTK data is found, the authenticity
geospatial reference to these data points. of the legacy data is to be verified. It should
However, the latitude-longitude information may be ensured that correct ground water quality
not be required for all these data points since data is taken in to account by discussing the
only representative data points are going to be matter with concerned state line department. In
considered finally while generating spatial data case of remaining 25 elements, the legacy data
base in the form of ground water quality point is expected to be to be considered as it is for
data layer. It is expected that approximately 20- creating the spatial data base.
25 such data points will be there in one 1:50,000
scale SOI toposheet area (approximately 700 sq. 3.6 Base map layers generated under
km). The Latitude-Longitude information is to be
RGNDWM project
collected for all these selected data points from Habitation (settlep) layer: As mentioned earlier,
the field using a standard GPS instrument with the location information of legacy ground water
good accuracy. quality data points is in descriptive form. This
descriptive location information needs to be
3.5 Ground water quality data to be converted in to geospatial positions in order
generated using field testing kits to create spatial data base. In the habitation
Quality of ground water is to be mapped layer generated under RGNDWM project, all the
using the legacy ground water quality data of habitations that are shown on 1:50,000 scale SOI
approximately 20-25 representative data points toposheet have geospatial positions. Using these
selected in one 1:50,000 scale SOI toposheet positions as reference geospatial positions, the
(approximately 700 sq. km) area. It is expected descriptive location information of data points
that fresh ground water quality data is also to be have to be converted in to tentative geospatial
generated for these data points as part of ground positions.
water quality mapping programme. For this
purpose, ground water samples from the above Other base map layers: In the final ground
mentioned 20-25 wells are to be collected from water quality map, base map details are to be
the field and test them for their water quality shown for map reference purpose. The base map
using Field Testing Kits (FTKs) supplied under the details include Road network, Railway Lines,
project. These fresh ground water samples are to Administrative boundaries, Drainage network and
be tested for 8 elements – Ph, Alkalinity, Hardness, Water bodies. Already these features have been
Chloride, Fluoride, Iron, Nitrate, Phosphate, mapped and layer-wise database is created under
Residual Chlorine – which can be tested normally RGNDWM project. Same layers are to be used
using any standard FTKs. in map composition while generating the final
ground water quality maps.
The fresh ground water quality data thus
generated is to be used for validating the legacy
ground water quality data pertaining to these

18
 Methodology to be
followed for ground
water quality mapping
4. Methodology to be 3) Lot of solid as well as liquid wastes consisting
of undesirable elements is being produced as
followed for ground
part of industrial, domestic and agricultural
water quality mapping activity. The ground water becomes
contaminated when it directly comes in
4.1 Conceptual understanding on
occurrence and dispersion of ground contact with this waste or it gets recharged
water contaminants with the water contaminated by these wastes.

When compared to other sources of waters,

4) The ground water thus contaminated under
ground water is preferred as a safe source,
the above mentioned three conditions
especially for domestic use, because it is
moves away from the source due to change
considered to be relatively free from pollution.
in hydraulic gradient and mixes with
However, it is found, particularly in recent periods
that the ground water at many places is occurring uncontaminated water in different areas there
with undesirable constituents and elements by contaminating entire ground water. The
with excess concentration thereby becoming spread of the contaminated ground water
unsuitable for human consumption. Mainly there depends on the hydro geological properties of
are four causative factors for the occurrence of the geological material and the rate of ground
ground water with undesirable constituents and water flow and the kind and concentration of
the elements with excess concentration in a given the elements in the ground water depends on
area. the ratio of quantities of contaminated and
uncontaminated water in the mix.
1) Ground water occurs in the pore spaces of
geological formations and hence always exists Based on the origin; the contamination is
in contact with geological material. During its classified in to – i) geogenic and ii) anthropogenic
contact, certain constituents of the geological contamination and based on the type; the source
material which are amenable for dissolution is classified in to i) point source and ii) non-point
get dissolved in to the ground water. The source.
kind of elements and their concentration in
the ground water depends on the nature of Analysis of factors that are causing contamination
the geological material and its dissolvable in ground water reveals that the contamination
characters. (kind of contaminants and their concentration)
depends on the nature of the geological material,
2) In certain horizons of geological formations physico-chemical alterations that take place
due to high ground water fluctuations, during interaction, waste material produced
oxidation-reduction conditions are developed. by anthropogenic activity and the quality of
In such areas physico-chemical reactions the recharge water. Similarly, analysis of the
take place and become source for certain
factors that are influencing the dispersion of the
undesirable constituents and the elements
contamination in the ground water reveals that
become excess in their concentration.
the dispersion of the contaminants depends on

21
the hydro geological properties of the geological is mapped based on the interpolation using
material and the ground water flow in the statistical method.
geological material. Therefore, the variations in
the quality of ground water in space and time The quality of ground water varies from location
commensurate with the variations in the aquifers to location, from shallow depth to deeper depth
and the recharge to the aquifer in space and time. and from pre-monsoon to post-monsoon. In order
to map the spatial distribution of the ground
4.2 Summary of ground water quality water quality of a given state / district, by keeping
mapping methodology these dynamics in view, it is pre-requisite to
The methodology is developed mainly for creating consider ground water quality data analyzed from
a spatial data base on ground water quality using ground water samples collected from shallow
legacy ground water quality data already available aquifer in pre-monsoon period, shallow aquifer
in the form of descriptive point information. It is in post-monsoon period, deep aquifer in pre-
meant for generating ground water quality maps monsoon period, deep aquifer in post-monsoon
on operational basis to meet RGNDWM project period, at a representative location.
requirements. The methodology aims at mapping
the status of quality of ground water with respect Legacy ground water quality data points
to its suitability for human consumption at belonging to different aquifers and different
a given point of time; not at modeling the data seasons are expected to occur as an unsorted
for predicting the ground water quality in space mix. This makes the legacy data heterogeneous.
and time. Hence, the data points have to be segregated
in to different classes at two levels to derive
However, the conceptual understanding homogenous sets which can be used for spatial
discussed above has been considered as a main data base creation. In the first level, the data
stay of methodology. Accordingly, since the points have to be classified into two classes-data
chemical composition and physical properties points belonging to shallow aquifer and deep
of geological material acts as controlling aquifer. In the second level, the data points of
parameters for origin and dispersion of geogenic each aquifer have to be classified into two classes-
as well as anthropogenic contaminants in the data points belonging to pre and post-monsoon
ground water, aquifer is considered as a basic seasons. Habitation is to be considered as a unit
unit for mapping the quality of ground water. In for segregation of legacy ground water quality
each domain, the location where the well from data points.
which ground water sample is collected and
tested for measuring ground water quality is The quality of ground water data analyzed from
located is viewed as the source for geogenic and ground water samples collected from
anthropogenic contaminanation as well as the
i) Shallow aquifer in pre-monsoon period, ii)
point from which the dispersion of ground water
Shallow aquifer in post-monsoon period, iii) Deep
contaminants takes place. The spatial limit up to
aquifer in pre-monsoon period and iv) Deep
which the contamination spreads from the source

22
aquifer in post-monsoon period as the spatial- quality based on the concentration values of
temporal domains for ground water quality the contaminants present in the ground water
mapping. samples collected from different habitations
in the past. Collection of fresh ground water
A schematic diagram showing various sample and their analysis for identifying the
components of the process and their flow in concentration values of different contaminants
realizing final ground water quality map is given / elements should be limited to only 8 elements
as Figure-3. for validation of existing data. It is expected
that the ground water samples considered for
Representative location means that the location
the mapping are representative and taken in to
should represent different hydro geological
account all variations likely to occur in the given
entities in case of geogenic elements and areal
area.
entities in case of anthropogenic elements. In
view of this, the variation in ground water quality The entire process of ground water quality
(concentration) with respect to an element should mapping can be broadly divided in to three major
be mapped using the ground water quality parts. In the first part, the legacy ground water
data generated from the ground water samples quality data is to be processed and organized
collected from same depth and season. Hence, the in to a ground water quality point data layer.
water quality data generated from ground water The ground water quality point data layer is
samples collected from different depths and in to be superimposed on the hydrogeology and
different seasons should be considered separately land use / land cover layer to find the boundary
for the analysis to draw meaningful conclusions. conditions that control the flow and dispersion
Accordingly, the data pertaining to ground water of pollutants / contaminants. Also the quality
samples need to be edited in terms of their parameters of the sample well points in respect
density and representativeness to ensure that the of a few selected water quality elements are to
ground water samples are reflecting the variations be updated using the field kits. In the second
in the ground water quality. Further, in the present part element-wise ground water quality layers
study, the dispersion of the contaminants from are created using statistical interpolation method
the source is envisaged to be mapped based on upon the sample ground water points within the
the statistical interpolation method. Geological boundary conditions already identified in the first
control is considered only to select the ground part. And in the third part, the final ground water
water samples that are representative. The well quality map is derived based on the integration of
from which the ground water sample is collected the element-wise ground water quality layers.
has been considered as a source of the ground
water pollutant. From there the contaminant is 4.3 Legacy ground water quality data
assumed to get dispersed. formatting
As discussed in input data section, the legacy data
However, in the present study it is envisaged exists in different formats. It is basically a point
to map the distribution of ground water data with descriptive location information. The

23
 Figure-3: Flow chart depicting ground water quality mapping methodology

Legacy Ground water Quality data Input Data

Habitation as a unit Cleaning & Formatting

Legacy Ground Water Quality Data Excel table

RGNDWM Settlement Layer Geo-spatial referencing

Ground Water Quality Data Point layer

Satellite data Depth-wise segregation Data

+ of GWQ points Organization
RGNDWM Lithgeom layer & spatial
+ Season-wise segregation data creation
Well Observation data of GWQ points

Depth & Season-wise Ground Water Quality Data point layers

Selection of representative GWQ data points

Field Lat-Long values Updating of

Geospatial position
FTK GWQ data GWQ data updating

Aquifer-wise
Aquifer Unit-wise GWQ
Ground Point
Water dataData
Quality Layers
point layers

Creation of 2D spatial GWQ Units using IDW method Interpolation

of GWQ
Classification of GW Quality Units as per BIS standards data points

Quality Parameter-wise Ground Water Quality

Union of theme-wise PGWQ Layers Integration

of PGWQ
Classification of GWQ Units & elimination of redundant units layers

Depth & Season-wise Integrated Ground water Quality layers GWQ map
Validation
Generation
Creation of region / state - wise mosaic

RGNDWM Layers composition using Template Map

Base map layers Composition
Assignment of symbol codes & creation of map Legend

Regional/1:50,000 Scale SOI grid-wise Ground Water Quality Map

24
data needs to be converted to a standard format noted that more than one, sometimes up to ten
so that it can be used for spatial data creation. The data points are expected to be there with same
conversion procedure is described here under in descriptive location information. In other words,
four steps. more than one data points are expected to
occur within one habitation. Of course, in some
Step 1 – Creation of legacy ground water cases, description pertaining to location within
quality data excel table: The legacy ground habitation is given. Information pertaining to
water quality data pertaining to given region depth is available in for of well depth in meters
/ state is likely to be available in different places (bgl) or well type i.e., Open Dug well / Shallow
mainly in records, proformas, charts, tables, etc., Tube well / Deep Bore well which in turn indicates
and exists in different formats. All this data needs the depth. This information can be given as
to be brought together on to a single platform. it is in one column. Information pertaining to
Different formats have to be converted in to a season is available in the form of date/month/
standard tabular format to facilitate meaning full year. This information can also be given as it is
analysis of the data. in one column. It is to be noted that information
pertaining to date of ground water sample
Legacy ground water quality data pertaining to
testing is there in the legacy data. However,
one ground water sample i.e., one point (in terms
this information need not be considered.
of space and time) is to be considered as one
Information pertaining to quality of ground water
record / entity. The total numbers of data points
is available in the form of quality parameter-
are to be given in rows. Information pertaining to
wise concentration values. Same can be given in
i) geospatial position (in respect of x-y direction)
different columns. It is to be noted that out of 33
of the data point ii) depth (in respect of z
quality parameters, data may be available only for
direction) of the data point iii) season (temporal
quality parameters. The data that is available for
dimension) to which the data belongs and iv)
whatever parameters only is to be considered.
quality of ground water in respect of various
quality parameters are to be given in different Microsoft excel is a robust and versatile software
columns against each data point. As mentioned using which the data can be organized in to a
earlier, information pertaining to geospatial standard tabular format. Wherever, the legacy
position of data point is available in descriptive ground water quality data is already there in excel
form i.e. District name, Block / Taluq name, tables, the same can be re-organized as per the
Panchayat name, Habitation name, location name requirement. The excel tables can efficiently be
within the habitation; school /temple / bus stand used in GIS environment by directly attaching
/ nearby house name, etc. For time being, the them as an attribute table to a spatial data layer.
same descriptive information is to be provided Excel table showing ground water quality data
in different columns. In cases if the information pertaining to parts of Agra Dist., U.P is shown in
is available in the form of exact latitudes and Table-4, as an example.
longitudes, the latitude-longitude values can
be given by creating another column. It is to be

25
 Table-4: Legacy ground water quality data excel table pertaining to parts of Agra Dist., U.P

Location Description Date of sample Quality Parameter-wise

Depth of well
collection ground water quality data

Ph TDS Total Hardness Calcium

Date of
Habitation as Sample Pre Monsoon Post monsoon Pre Monsoon Post monsoon Pre Monsoon Post monsoon Pre Monsoon Post mons
Drinking water sources/wells

Tehshil Sample
per Proforma Location
collection CaCO3_ CaCO3_D_ CaCO3_ CaCO3_D_
Ph_Sh_Pr Ph_D_Pr Ph_Sh_Po Ph_D_Po TDS_Sh_Pr TDS_D_Pr TDS_Sh_Po TDS_D_Po Ca_Sh_Pr Ca_D_Pr Ca_Sh_Po C
Sh_Pr Pr Sh_Po Po
primary
Agra Abhaipura 04/05/10 7.67 0 0 0 1400 0 0 0 256 0 0 0 200 0 0
pathshala
Etmadpuri Abigarh 01/11/10 raj pal singh 7.64 0 0 0 1544 0 0 0 288 0 0 0 216 0 0
Kiraoli Achnera 28/01/09 Center 7.74 7.66 0 0 1248 1464 0 0 224 264 0 0 176 200 0
Pradhan
Edmatpur Adaul garhi 16/11/11 7.71 0 0 0 1342 0 0 0 264 0 0 0 200 0 0
house
Agra Agra 21/04/10 Center 7.68 0 0 0 1024 0 0 0 960 0 0 0 200 0 0
Agra Agra (CB) 21/04/10 Center 7.72 0 0 0 1248 0 0 0 980 0 0 0 216 0 0
GOVINDA
Etmadpuri Agwar 14/10/11 7.46 7.71 0 0 1968 1248 0 0 384 236 0 0 216 200 0
SINGH
Etmadpuri Agwar Nagla 19/02/11 natthi lal 7.70 7.74 0 0 1360 1192 0 0 248 216 0 0 200 184 0
ASHOK
Etmadpuri Aharan 14/10/11 7.62 7.7 0 0 1576 1288 0 0 312 248 0 0 232 200 0
KUMAR
Ajijpur 12/10/11 ram kishan 7.72 0 0 7.69 1272 0 0 1368 236 0 0 252 196 0 0
junior high
Agra Akbarpur 04/05/10 7.67 0 0 0 1432 0 0 0 264 0 0 0 200 0 0
school
Kiraoli akhvai2 20/05/09 nanga baba 7.73 0 0 0 1256 0 0 0 232 0 0 0 192 0 0
primary path
Kiraoli Akhwai 20/05/09 7.62 0 0 0 1576 0 0 0 312 0 0 0 323 0 0
shala
shanta ram
Kiroali Akola 19/08/09 7.73 0 0 7.65 1264 0 0 1536 2100 0 0 288 196 0 0
plot
shanta ram
Kiroali Akola 19/08/09 7.73 0 0 7.65 1264 0 0 1536 2100 0 0 288 196 0 0
Step 2 – Elimination
Etmadpuri Algarhi
of13/10/10
redundant
Center
data7.72points
7.69 0
plot
0 of ground
1456 1272 water
0 sample
0 as criteria,
272 240 0not only
0 the
212 200 0

from excelEtmadpuri
table:Amanabad
The legacy
28/01/09 data is7.69expected
deep
chandra
0 0to 0
data points that belong to same date but also
1368 0 0 0 252 0 0 0 200 0 0

contain duplicate data records. In order to take the data points that belong to same season also
only the variable data in to account, it needs to can be considered. Similarly, while identifying
be filtered to remove redundant data. For filtering the common data points by using quality of
the data, habitation is to be considered as a unit. ground water, not only the data points that have
Then the data points have to be segregated same parameter-wise concentration values but
habitation-wise that the habitations where also the data points that have parameter-wise
multiple numbers of data points exist are brought concentration values falling in one BIS ground
out. The multiple data points belonging to each water quality class also can be considered. From
and every habitation have to be subjected for the common data points thus identified, only one
comparative study for identifying common data point is to be retained and remaining points
data points. The common data points are those are to be treated as redundant data points and
points which are same with respect to i) depth have to be deleted from the database. Legacy
/ type of well ii) date of testing of ground water ground water quality data pertaining to Allagi-B
sample and iii) ground water quality in terms of habitation of Gulbarga Dist., Karnataka, is given
parameter-wise concentration values. However, in Table-5 to demonstrate the procedure of
while identifying the common data points by elimination of redundant data points.
using depth of the well as criteria, not only the
data points that have same depth of wells but There are eight legacy data points in the
also the data points that have similar depth of habitation. The data points from serial no. 1-6
wells can be considered. While identifying the belongs to one depth zone i.e., deeper zone
common data points by using date of testing whereas the data points from serial no. 7-8

26
 Table-5: Sample ground water quality data points of Allagi-B habitation, Gulbarga Dist., Karnataka
Sl. Testing date
District Block Panchayat Village Habitation Type of source pH CaCo3 CL No3 F
No. (DDMMYY)
1 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Deep Tubewell 30/11/2010 7.1 1020 369.81 27 1
2 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Deep Tubewell 30/11/2010 7.21 300 69.91 28 0.5
3 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Deep Tubewell 30/11/2010 7 648 641.81 24 0.5
4 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Deep Tubewell 30/11/2010 7.48 300 63.96 30 1.5
5 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Deep Tubewell 30/11/2010 7.34 580 81.95 36 1.5
6 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Deep Tubewell 30/11/2010 7.36 500 69.9 2 1.5
7 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Openwell 30/11/2010 7.64 260 69.96 25 1.5
8 Gulbarga Afzalpur Allagi - B Allagi - B Allagi - B Openwell 30/11/2010 7.64 260 69.96 25 1.5

belongs to another depth zone i.e., shallow Conversion of descriptive location information in
zone. All the data points are same with respect to exact geo-spatial locations can be achieved in
to season i.e., all belong to 30/11/2010. In the two levels. In the first level, tentative geo-spatial
shallow depth zone, the ground water quality locations are to be created. In the habitation
data is same for all the two data points. Out of (settlep) layer created under RGNDWM project, all
these two data points one is redundant and it is the habitations that are shown on 1:50, 000 scale
to be deleted. Whereas in the deeper depth zone, toposheet are already mapped as point features.
the ground water quality data is same in case of This layer is available for present mapping of the
data points with serial no. 5 and 6. Out of these quality of ground water. Using the RGNDWM
two data points one is redundant and it is to be habitation layer as a reference spatial format,
deleted. In the remaining data points, data point initially, a ground water quality point data layer
with serial no.1 is non potable in respect of CaCo3; with tentative locations has to be generated.
data point with serial no.2 is potable in respect of
all parameters; data point with serial no.4 is non To create ground water quality point data layer,
potable in respect of F; hence these points to copy RGNDWM habitation (settlep) layer and
be retained and remaining are to be treated as rename it as ground water quality point data layer.
redundant and are to be deleted. Then geo-spatial locations are to be identified for
all the ground water quality data points with the
Step 3 - Creation of geospatial positions to help of already mapped locations of habitations
data points: Location information of legacy of RGNDWM layer. In case of habitations where
ground water quality data points is in descriptive one ground water quality data point exists, the
form. It cannot be used, as it is, for spatial data same position of the habitation can be treated as
creation under GIS environment. To bring the the location of data point. In case of habitations
data to usable format, the descriptive location where multiple data points with different
information needs to be converted in to locations, dummy point features are to be created
geospatial positions. as data point 2, data point 3 …and so on around
the habitation point feature. Habitation layer

27
pertaining to part of Agra Dist., UP used for Step 4 – Creation of attribute data to point
converting descriptive location information in to features: The attribute table that is derived from
geospatial positions is shown in Figure-4 as an the RGNDWM habitation (settlep) layer needs to
example. be re-organized and provided with legacy ground

Figure-4: Ground water quality point data layer, part of Agra Dist., U.P

However, locations of the point features that will water quality data. Structure of the attribute table
be selected for mapping need to be modified should be similar to that of the format of excel
accordingly based on the latitude – longitude table. However, all the location information of the
information to be collected from the field later on. data points existing in the excel table need not
be retained as it is. District name, Taluq / Block
In case of the habitations that are mapped in
name, Panchayat name can be removed; only the
the RGNDWM habitation layer but the ground
information that pertains to location within the
water quality data is not available in the legacy
habitation can be retained.
data, such habitations also have to be retained.
A tentative location can be created in the centre The attribute table can be created by two
of the habitation like other samples and shown methods. 1) By attaching the excel table
as ground water samples without ground water containing the ground water quality data or 2) By
quality data i.e. the samples that are not analyzed entering the ground water quality data through
for generating ground water quality data.

28
key board. In order to attach the excel table a acts as shallow depth zone whereas the bottom
common field needs to be identified between aquifer as deeper depth zone. Similarly, in areas
attribute table of ground water quality point where single hydrogeomorphic unit is there,
data layer and the excel table. Based on the the dynamic zone (zone of fluctuation) acts as
common field, already formatted (in XL format) shallow depth zone whereas the static zone
ground water quality data can be attached to as deeper depth zone. It is to be noted that
the layer. The common field could be the well ID. occurrence of two ground water zones within
However, proper care needs to be taken so that the hydrogeomorphic unit which is having
the common field should be identical in both the less thickness is not possible and hence need
data sets. not be considered. Thus, only two major depth
zones - i) shallow zone and ii) deeper zone – are
4.4 Segregation of legacy ground water conspicuous and can be delineated as separate
quality data points entities. Hence these two depth zones are to be
As the quality of ground water varies with depth considered for separately mapping the quality of
as well as season, the mapping of the quality of ground water.
ground water is planned to carry out separately
for separate depths and separate seasons. To do However, for mapping the quality of ground
this first the ground water quality data points water, depth-wise separately, first, the input
have to be segregated accordingly. The procedure ground water quality data points needs to be
for segregation of the data points is described in segregated in to two sets, each set comprising
following three steps. data points belonging to one of these two depth
zones. And a ground water quality data point
Step 1 - Depth-wise segregation: In principle, layer has to be created showing the data points
many depth zones can be visualized in total pertaining to corresponding depth zone. It is
depth column where ground water exists. But to be noted that the ground water quality data
it is difficult to inventory and map clearly all points belonging to different depths within one
such depth zones throughout the given region / depth zone are to be considered as one set of
state. As discussed earlier, depth-wise variations data points and represented as point features of
in the quality of ground water occurs due to i) one single layer.
depth-wise variations in chemical and physical
properties of geological material i.e. occurrence of Segregation of the data points is to be done
two hydrogeomorphic units along the depth and based on the depth information available as an
ii) depth-wise variations in circulation of recharge attribute to legacy ground water quality data
water i.e. occurrence of two ground water zones- points. The depth information is there either in
dynamic and static. In areas where there are two the form of actual well depth or in the form of
hydrogeomorphic units along the depth, the type of well. It is to be noted that the type of well
top hydrogeomorphic units such as weathered in turn indicates the depth of well. The dug wells
zones, buried zones, colluviual deposits, alluvium and shallow hand pump wells are to be treated
deposits, etc having about 10-30m thickness as belonging to shallow depth zone, tube wells

29
and bore wells are to be treated as belonging to provides the hydrogeological information
deeper depth zone. To do so, first, the shallow that is required for delineation of aquifer
and deeper depth zones existing in the given units. The carriers (porous and permeable
region / state have to be delineated and their zones) and the barriers (dykes, river courses,
depths are to be established. The satellite data, large water bodies) for ground water flow
RGNDWM hydrogeomorphology (lithgeom) can be deciphered from the satellite data.
layer and water level data can be used for this Using the image as a database all the aquifer
purpose. Using the satellite data in conjunction units occurring in the given study area are to
with RGNDWM hydrogeomorphology (lithgeom) be delineated based on the interpretation of
layer the aquifer units occurring both laterally and hydrogeological information in conjunction
vertically have to be delineated. Using the water with limited ground truth data pertaining to
level data of past five years, the dynamic and depth. Refer methodology manual, Ground
static ground water zones are to be delineated. water prospects mapping for Rajiv Gandhi
Then by matching the depth information of the National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM),
aquifer units and ground water zones with that 2008 for detailed procedure and technical
of the well depth / well type of legacy data, the guidelines for inventorying and mapping
ground water quality data points have to be aquifer units using satellite data and GIS. It
segregated in to data points belonging to shallow is suggested to use hydrogeomorphology
and deeper depth zones. Attempt should not (lithgeom) layer generated under RGNDWM
be made to segregate the data points based on project as a supplementary data set while
legacy depth information alone by classifying the delineating the aquifer units using satellite
depth in to two classes. It is to be noted that there data. In the hydrogeomorphology (lithgeom)
is no standard scale where depth range of shallow layer, the aquifer units which were delineated
and deeper zones are fixed and using which the for ground water prospects mapping in the
depth zones in the given region / state can be same region / state are shown in the form of
delineated. polygons as well as line features. They can be
used for the present purpose also. However,
To delineate hydrogeomorphic units and ground there are some smaller aquifer units which
water zones- may not be relevant for ground water quality
mapping. Therefore, such smaller units have to
• open Arc GIS and go to the working
be merged with surrounding major units and
directory where satellite image, RGNDWM
use them for the present ground water quality
hydrogeomorphology (lithgeom) layer, ground
mapping. Finally, an aquifer unit layer showing
water quality data point layer and study
distribution of aquifer units laterally and
area boundary layer are residing, using add
vertically is to be created. Aquifer unit layer
data (+) icon. Then select the satellite image
pertaining to part of Agra Dist., UP created
(file name) and display the image. Similarly,
based on the interpretation of satellite data is
display the study area boundary layer (shape
shown in Figure-5, as an example.
file) also. As it is known, the satellite data

30
 Figure-5: Aquifer unit layer of part of Agra Dist., UP

• Then display the water level data (point data Analyze the depth information available with
shape file) layer. Study the water level data to ground water quality data points. Correlate
find out the depth range of fluctuation zone in the depth information of ground water quality
the aquifer units where there is single aquifer data points with the depth information of
along the depth. Based on the depth range aquifers and ground water zones. Based on the
of the fluctuation zone divide the total depth correlation, classify the ground water quality
in to two depth zones i.e., dynamic zone and data points in to two classes and create data
static zone. Then display the attribute data base accordingly.
pertaining to depth of aquifer units where two
aquifers are there along the depth. Similarly
• Create duplicate ground water quality data
point layer by copying the original layer and
display the attribute data pertaining to depth
name accordingly as illustrated below.
of ground water zones i.e., dynamic zone and
static zone in the aquifer units in the units
Then delete irrelevant data points from the
where single aquifer is there along the depth.
layers to convert them in to two depth-wise
ground water quality data point layers, one
To segregate the ground water quality data points
containing the data points pertaining to
in to two depth zones-
shallow depth zone another containing the
data points pertaining to deeper depth zone.
• Display the ground water quality data point
layer over the hydrogeomorphic unit layer.

31
 Depth-wise ground water quality
data point layers
Layer Name Code
Layer Name Code
Shallow depth zone ground water
sh_gwqdpl
quality data points layer
Ground water quality
gwqpl
data point layer Deeper depth zone ground water
dp_gwqdpl
quality data points layer

Step 2 - Season-wise segregation: As the quality data pertaining to the period during which legacy
of ground water also varies with season, it has to data is generated is to be considered.
be mapped separately for separate seasons. There
are two hydrological seasons, i) pre monsoon and Season-wise segregation has to be done based
ii) post monsoon in which there is a change in the on the date of collection of ground water samples
concentration of contaminants in ground water. using which the legacy ground water quality data
Hence, these two seasons are to be considered for is generated. In the legacy data, exact date of
mapping. ground water sample collection is given against
each ground water quality data point. The data
The period that is covered under pre monsoon points belonging to dates (in terms of months)
and post monsoon seasons vary from region to that fall in a particular hydrological season have
region depending on the climatic conditions in to be segregated in to a class.
general and on set of monsoon in particular. In
Himalayan region where hydrological cycle is Once the period of pre and post monsoon seasons
governed by snow fall and snow melt, the periods in the given region is identified, the ground water
that are covered by pre and post monsoon quality data points are to be segregated season-
seasons are different. However, for the present wise based on the date of collection of ground
mapping, the periods that are to be covered water samples using which the legacy ground
under pre and post monsoon seasons are to be water quality data is generated for the data point.
decided based on ground water levels in the given In the legacy data, exact date of ground water
region. The period during which the water levels sample collection is given against each ground
are lowest are to be considered as pre monsoon water quality data point. The data points belonging
season and the period during which the water to dates that fall in a particular hydrological season
levels are highest are to be considered as post have to be segregated in to a class.
monsoon season. Anyhow, some buffer period
Using the water level data of past five years, the
can be included in the period that is considered as
dynamic and static ground water zones are to
lowest and highest water level period. Water level
be delineated. Then by matching the depth
data of observation wells being maintained by
information of the aquifer units and ground water
CGWB and State ground water departments can
zones with that of the well depth / well type of
be used for identifying lowest and highest water
legacy data, the ground water quality data points
level periods. It is to be noted that the water level

32
have to be segregated in to data points belonging containing the data pertaining to pre monsoon
to shallow and deeper depth zones. Attempt period another containing the data pertaining
should not be made to segregate the data points to post monsoon period.
based on legacy depth information alone by
classifying the depth in to two classes. It is to be It is to be noted that there is no need to create
noted that there is no standard scale where depth separate season-wise ground water quality layers
range of shallow and deeper zones are fixed and if the location of the data points i.e the location of
using which the depth zones in the given region / well from which ground water sample is collected.
state can be delineated. Attribute table of the respective depth-wise
ground water quality data point layer has to be
To create season-wise ground water quality data
modified suitably by creating two separate fields
point layers –
for the concentration values of two seasons for

• Display one of the two depth-wise ground each parameter.

water quality data point layers and classify the
Step 3 – mapping unit-wise segregation: As
data points in to two classes based on the date
of ground water sample collection. Repeat the mentioned earlier, the unit area for mapping
same exercise for the second layer also. the quality of ground water is hydrogeomorphic
unit. Hence, the data points have to be separated
• Create one more set of depth-wise ground hydrogeomorphic unit-wise and a layer is to
water quality data point layers by copying the be created. This layer acts as a master layer for
original layers and rename them accordingly as generation of the individual element-wise ground
illustrated below. water quality layers and also the integrated
ground water quality layer. Ground water quality
• Delete the irrelevant data points from the point data layer of APO-12 hydrogeomorphic unit
respective layers to create two separate ground belonging to part of Agra District, U.P is shown in
water quality data point layers for each depth- Figure-6, as an example.
wise ground water quality data point layer; one

Depth-wise ground water quality data Season-wise ground water quality

point layers data point layers
Layer Name Code Layer Name Code
Pre monsoon ground water
Shallow depth zone sh_pr_gwqdpl
quality data points layer
ground water quality sh_gwqdpl
data points layer Post monsoon ground water
sh_po_gwqdpl
quality data points layer
Pre monsoon ground water
Deeper depth zone dp_pr_gwqdpl
quality data points layer
ground water quality dp_gwqdpl
data points layer Post monsoon ground water
dp_po_gwqdpl
quality data points layer

33
 Figure-6: Ground water quality point data layer, part of Agra Dist., U.P

To create hydrogeomorphic unit-wise ground 4.5 Selection of representative legacy

water quality point data layers- ground water quality data points
Density and distribution of ground water quality
• Display one of the four season-wise ground
data points should be adequate and proper for
water quality data point layers and clip the data
interpolation and creation of ground water quality
points using hydrogeomorphic unit boundaries
surfaces. Hence the data points are to be edited
one by one. It is to be noted that there may be
to make density and distribution is optimum. The
several hydrogeomorphic units in the given
procedure for selection of representative data
region / state. The data points have to be
points is described in following four steps.
clipped using all the hydrogeomorphic units.
Repeat the same exercise for the remaining
Step 1 – Editing of ground water quality data
three layers also. As there will be many
points for optimum distribution: The locations
hydrogeomorphic units in the given region /
of the ground water quality data points in each
state, all the layers are to be named properly
mapping unit are to be evaluated for their
to avoid confusion in identifying the layers. For
representativeness. As the data points are there
example, shallow depth zone pre monsoon
mainly in and around the habitations, the density
APO-12 hydrogeomorphic unit ground water
and distribution of data points is same as the
quality point data layer is to be named as sh_
density and distribution of habitations. In a part of
pr_apo12_gwqdpl.

34
the mapping unit it may so happen that the density Step 2 – Updating of ground water quality
and distribution of habitations is not optimum and data points with lat-long data: The geospatial
hence the density and distribution of data points positions of the ground water quality data points
also may not be optimum. Any how, as all the selected in the mapping unit are created based
data points of all the habitations are not going to on the descriptive location information available
be considered for interpolation, the data points in the legacy data. They are tentative positions.
that are going to be retained for interpolation These tentative geospatial positions of data
should be from the habitations whose density and points needs to be rectified using the latitude-
distribution should be uniform. longitude values collected using GPS instrument
in the field.
Further, wherever the habitations are located
close to one another, the data points with same Step 3 –Validation of ground water quality
data of selected data points: It is expected to
ground water quality are likely to occur in close
visit the study area and collect the ground water
proximity. From such data points few can be
samples from the wells selected for interpolation
deleted to reduce high density of points. Similarly,
and mapping. These samples are to be tested
wherever the habitations are located far away
then and there in the field using field testing kits
from one another, the data points are likely to
(FTKs). These fresh ground water samples are to
occur far away from one another. A data gap is
be tested for 8 elements – Ph, Alkalinity, Hardness,
likely to be created. In such areas an attempt
Chloride, Fluoride, Iron, Nitrate, Phosphate,
should be made to create additional points
Residual Chlorine. Any standard FTK with
having ground water quality data in respect of
acceptable accuracy can be used for testing these
same quality parameters. Finally, the locations
elements. The FTKs ground water quality data has
of selected data points should be such that they
to be compared with legacy ground water quality
should have uniform spread through out the data. The trends of change, if any, in the quality
mapping unit. of the ground water in the region can be brought
out. If in case any discrepancy in the quality of
It is to be ensured that a minimum of 20-25 data
ground water is found between FTKs and legacy
points are selected in an area of approximately
ground water quality data, same is to be reported
700 sq. km covered by one 1:50, 000 scale SOI
to the concerned state line departments. The
toposheet. state line departments are expected to intervene
and see that correct ground water quality data is
There may be areas in the map unit where
taken in to account for mapping.
habitations are there but data points are not there.
Such areas are to be treated as no data areas and
Step 4 – Updating of attribute table of
the area has to be excluded for mapping purpose.
mapping unit-wise layer: The final mapping
The area has to be delineated as a separate unit
unit-wise ground water quality data point layer
so that it can be avoided for further processing.
should contain a proper attribute table. The
attribute table derived from the depth & season –

35
wise ground water quality data point layer needs particular aquifer and one particular period in the
to be updated suitably. Though 33 elements are study area has to be generated. In order to carry
considered for the study, all the 33 elements may out this, the point data with reference to each
not be present in a given district/state. Therefore element have to be converted in to polygon data.
the attribute table needs to be created only for This can be achieved in the following four steps.
those elements that are present in the district/ Spatial Analyst Module of any standard ARC GIS
state. Accordingly the water quality data has to software (9.1 or higher version) can be used for
be entered. The structure of the attribute table is carrying out this spatial analysis.
given Table-6.
Step1-Data Interpolation: In the present
The water samples are likely to be collected from study, based on quality of ground water at 20-
four types of wells in the given region/state. 25 locations, quality of ground water in an area
To represent these wells in the attribute table of approximately 700 sq. km covered by one
numerical codes are worked out and given in 1:50,000 scale SOI toposheet is to be mapped. In
Table-7. other words, based on ground water quality data
of 20-25 points, ground water quality data for
Table-7: List of numeric codes to be used for remaining points of the area (number of points
representing type of well
depends on number of divisions the total area
WLQ-
WELLQ-TYPE is made in to) are to be estimated. Interpolation
CODE
is a technique using which ground water quality
01 Open dug / ring well
data can be predicted for unknown points using
02 Dug-cum-bore / tube well the ground water quality data of known points.
03 Bore / tube well with power pump There are three types of interpolation techniques
– i) Krigging ii) Spline and iii) Inverse Distance
04 Bore / tube well with hand pump
Weighted, which are popularly used for predicting
the data of unknown points.
4.6 Creation of quality parameter-wise
ground water quality layers
1. Spline: It is used for contouring the data
The final ground water quality point data layer pertaining to natural (non point source)
comprises of i) location data of ground water contaminants and converting the contours
samples (locations of the wells from which into polygons after constraining with
the water sample is collected) in the form of subsurface lithology.
point features and ii) ground water quality data
pertaining to four categories of ground water 2. Krigging: It is used for interpolating the data
samples comprising a maximum of 33 elements pertaining to agricultural contaminations
as an attribute to the point features. Using (non point source) in correlation with land
this data the element-wise layers showing the use / land cover pattern in the area.
distribution of the quality of the ground water
with reference to one particular element of one

36
 Table-6: Data base structure of mapping unit-wise ground water quality point data layer

Field name Field type Key (Y/N) Remarks

WLQ-CODE 2,2,C Y Feature code is to be given
WLQ-Type 35, 35 , C N Type of the well is to be given
pH 4,4,C N pH Concentration value is to be given
CaCo3 4,4,C N CaCo3 Concentration value is to be given
Fe 4,4,C N Fe Concentration value is to be given
Cl 4,4,C N Cl Concentration value is to be given
TDS 4,4,C N TDS Concentration value is to be given
HCO3 4,4,C N HCO3 Concentration value is to be given
Ca 4,4,C N Ca Concentration value is to be given
Mg 4,4,C N Mg Concentration value is to be given
NO3 4,4,C N NO3 Concentration value is to be given
SO4 4,4,C N SO4 Concentration value is to be given
F 4,4,C N F Concentration value is to be given
Mn 4,4,C N Mn Concentration value is to be given
Na 4,4,C N Na Concentration value is to be given
K 4,4,C N K Concentration value is to be given
As 4,4,C N As Concentration value is to be given
C6H5OH 4,4,C N C 6H5OH Concentration value is to be given
Hg 4,4,C N Hg Concentration value is to be given
Cd 4,4,C N Cd Concentration value is to be given
Se 4,4,C N Se Concentration value is to be given
Cu 4,4,C N Cu Concentration value is to be given
Cn 4,4,C N Cn Concentration value is to be given
Pb 4,4,C N Pb Concentration value is to be given
Zn 4,4,C N Zn Concentration value is to be given
MBAS 4,4,C N MBAS Concentration value is to be given
Cr 6+
4,4,C N Cr6+ Concentration value is to be given
PAH 4,4,C N PAH Concentration value is to be given
MO 4,4,C N MO Concentration value is to be given
Ps 4,4,C N Ps Concentration value is to be given
α 4,4,C N α Concentration value is to be given
β 4,4,C N β Concentration value is to be given
Ak 4,4,C N Ak Concentration value is to be given
Al 4,4,C N Al Concentration value is to be given
Bo 4,4,C N Bo Concentration value is to be given
SYM-CODE 2,2,I N Symbol code for representing the wells

37
3. Inverse distance weighted: It is used for Once a neighborhood shape has been specified,
creating contours from the data pertaining to you can restrict which data locations within
point source pollutants caused by Industrial the shape should be used. You can define the
and Residential activity and converting these maximum and minimum number of locations
contours in to polygons. to use, and you can divide the neighborhood
into sectors. If you divide the neighborhood into
It is found that Inverse distance weighted (IDW) sectors, the maximum and minimum constraints
interpolation is more suitable for the present will be applied to each sector. There are several
mapping. IDW works based on the assumption different sectors that can be used and are
that ground water quality data of points that are displayed below.
close to one another are more alike than those
that are farther apart. To predict ground water A surface calculated using IDW depends on
quality data for any unmeasured point, IDW uses the selection of the power value (p) and the
the measured ground water quality data of points search neighborhood strategy. IDW is an exact
surrounding the prediction point. The measured interpolator, where the maximum and minimum
point closest to the prediction point has more values in the interpolated surface can only occur
influence on the predicted data than those farther at sample points. The output surface is sensitive
away. IDW assumes that each measured point has to clustering and the presence of outliers. IDW
a local influence that diminishes with distance. assumes that the phenomenon being modeled is
It gives greater weights to points closest to the driven by local variation, which can be captured
prediction point, and the weights diminish as a (modeled) by defining an adequate search
function of distance.   neighborhood. Since IDW does not provide
prediction standard errors, justifying the use of
The shape of the neighborhood is influenced by this model may be problematic.
the input data and the surface you are trying to
create. If there are no directional influences in For interpolation and creation of ground water
your data, you’ll want to consider points equally quality layer for one element;
in all directions. To do so, you will define the
search neighborhood as a circle. However, if there • open Arc GIS and go to the working directory
is a directional influence in your data, such as a where shape files of final ground water quality
prevailing wind, you may want to adjust for it by point data layers are residing, using add data
changing the shape of the search neighborhood (+) icon. Then select the shape file (file name)
to an ellipse with the major axis parallel with the pertaining to the ground water quality point
wind. The adjustment for this directional influence data layer of one aquifer unit from the directory
is justified because you know that locations and display the layer. Similarly, display the
upwind from a prediction location are going to be respective aquifer unit boundary layer (shape
more similar at remote distances than locations file) also. Once both the layers are opened,
that are perpendicular to the wind but located the ground water quality data points (sample
closer to the prediction location. locations) considered for interpolation and their

38
 distribution in the area can be seen, as shown water quality layer is going to be created, for
in Figure-7, as an example. The same aquifer example, Fluoride) against Z value field; enter/
unit boundary layer will be used for clipping modify the output cell size (preferably less
the element-wise ground water quality layer than 500 for better quality output) against
created by statistical method later on. output cell size; and keep remaining options as

Figure-7: Ground water quality point data layer, APO12 aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP

• Open the spatial analyst menu and go to a default. Click OK button. The ground water
interpolate to raster under which there are quality layer in the raster format is created
three interpolation techniques available – a) for the element of interest, for example for
Krigging b) Spline and c) Inverse distance Fluoride element as shown in Figure-8.
weighted. Inverse Distance Weighted technique
is to be selected. Inverse Distance Weighted In the raster layer- i) narrow gap areas along
dialogue box opens. In the dialogue box, extreme edges on four sides of aquifer unit
select the ground water quality point data boundary and ii) unwanted area outside the
layer of interest against input points; select the aquifer unit boundary are created. The gap areas
element of interest (i.e., for which the ground are created because the interpolation takes place

39
 Figure-8: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element, in raster format,
APO12 aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP

within the rectangle or the square which gets and click. Data frame properties dialogue box
constructed with 4 end points (ground water opens. In the dialogue box after ensuring that
sample locations) on 4 sides during the process. the Data Frame button is highlighted, activate
clip to shape option. Then click specify shape
• To avoid gap areas, create dummy points button to open Data Frame Clipping dialogue
(ground water sample locations with the box. In the dialogue box, activate Outline of
element-wise concentration values of nearest Features option and select the aquifer unit
points) on the boundary or just outside the boundary layer (polygon) with which clipping
boundary on all the 4 extreme sides so that is to be done. Click ok and ok buttons. The
the aquifer unit boundary (polygon) is totally aquifer unit-wise ground water quality layer
covered within the rectangle or square. Using of the given element with automatically
this as input layer carry out the interpolation defined classes is displayed, for example for
as described above. Fluoride element as shown in Figure-9.

• To eliminate the unwanted areas, clip the As the element-wise ground water quality layers
raster ground water quality layer with are going to be many (a maximum of 33x4
respective aquifer unit boundary (polygon) layers for each aquifer unit), a standard naming
layer. To achieve this, go to properties of Layers convention for the layers need to be followed for

40
 Figure-9: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element with automatic classes,
APO12 aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP

easy and effective database management and Step 2 - Classification of ground water quality
also to maintain uniformity in the data generated data: Then, the resultant classes thus derived
by different people for different areas. The codes automatically of the ground water quality layers
are given in Table - 8. are however need to be reclassified into three

Table-8: List of alphabetic codes to be used for naming

element-wise ground water quality layers

Element-wise ground water quality layer Alphabetical code

Ground water quality layer of pH in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Ph-QL
Ground water quality layer of pH in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-pH-QL
Ground water quality layer of pH in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-pH-QL
Ground water quality layer of pH in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Po-pH-QL
Ground water quality layer of CaCo3 in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-CaCo3-QL
Ground water quality layer of CaCo3 in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-CaCo3-QL
Ground water quality layer of CaCo3 in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-CaCo3-QL
Ground water quality layer of CaCo3 in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-CaCo3-QL
Ground water quality layer of Fe in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Fe-QL
Ground water quality layer of Fe in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Fe-QL

41
 Element-wise ground water quality layer Alphabetical code
Ground water quality layer of Fe in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Fe-QL
Ground water quality layer of Fe in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Fe-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cl in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Cl-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cl in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Cl-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cl in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Cl-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cl in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Cl-QL
Ground water quality layer of TDS in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-TDS-QL
Ground water quality layer of TDS in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-TDS-QL
Ground water quality layer of TDS in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-TDS-QL
Ground water quality layer of TDS in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-TDS-QL
Ground water quality layer of HCO3 in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-HCO3 -QL
Ground water quality layer of HCO3 in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-HCO3 -QL
Ground water quality layer of HCO3 in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-HCO3 -QL
Ground water quality layer of HCO3 in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp- Po-HCO3 -QL
Ground water quality layer of Ca in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Ca-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ca in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Ca-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ca in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Ca-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ca in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Ca-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mg in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Mg-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mg in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Mg-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mg in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Mg-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mg in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Mg-QL
Ground water quality layer of NO3 in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-NO3-QL
Ground water quality layer of NO3 in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-NO3-QL
Ground water quality layer of NO3 in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-NO3 -QL
Ground water quality layer of NO3 in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po- NO3-QL
Ground water quality layer of SO4 in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-SO4-QL
Ground water quality layer of SO4 in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-SO4-QL
Ground water quality layer of SO4 in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-SO4-QL
Ground water quality layer of SO4 in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-SO4-QL
Ground water quality layer of F in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-F-QL
Ground water quality layer of F in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-F-QL
Ground water quality layer of F in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-F-QL
Ground water quality layer of F in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-F-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mn in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Mn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mn in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Mn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mn in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Mn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Mn in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Mn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Na in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Na-QL
Ground water quality layer of Na in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Na-QL
Ground water quality layer of Na in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Na-QL

42
 Element-wise ground water quality layer Alphabetical code
Ground water quality layer of Na in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Na-QL
Ground water quality layer of K in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-K-QL
Ground water quality layer of K in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-K-QL
Ground water quality layer of K in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-K-QL
Ground water quality layer of K in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-K-QL
Ground water quality layer of As in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-As-QL
Ground water quality layer of As in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-As-QL
Ground water quality layer of As in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-As-QL
Ground water quality layer of As in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-As-QL
Ground water quality layer of C 6H5OH in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-C 6H5OH-QL
Ground water quality layer of C 6H5OH in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-C 6H5OH-QL
Ground water quality layer of C 6H5OH in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-C 6H5OH-QL
Ground water quality layer of C 6H5OH in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-C 6H5OH-QL
Ground water quality layer of Hg in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Hg-QL
Ground water quality layer of Hg in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Hg-QL
Ground water quality layer of Hg in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Hg-QL
Ground water quality layer of Hg in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Hg-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cd in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Cd-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cd in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Cd-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cd in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Cd-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cd in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Cd-QL
Ground water quality layer of Se in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Se-QL
Ground water quality layer of Se in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Se-QL
Ground water quality layer of Se in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Se-QL
Ground water quality layer of Se in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Se-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cu in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Cu-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cu in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Cu-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cu in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Cu-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cu in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Cu-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cn in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Cn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cn in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Cn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cn in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Cn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cn in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Cn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Pb in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Pb-QL
Ground water quality layer of Pb in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Pb-QL
Ground water quality layer of Pb in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Pb-QL
Ground water quality layer of Pb in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Pb-QL
Ground water quality layer of Zn in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Zn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Zn in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Zn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Zn in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Zn-QL
Ground water quality layer of Zn in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Zn-QL

43
 Element-wise ground water quality layer Alphabetical code
Ground water quality layer of MBAS in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-MBAS-QL
Ground water quality layer of MBAS in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-MBAS-QL
Ground water quality layer of MBAS in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-MBAS-QL
Ground water quality layer of MBAS in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-MBAS-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cr6+ in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Cr6+-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cr6+ in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Cr6+-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cr6+ in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Cr6+-QL
Ground water quality layer of Cr6+ in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Cr6+-QL
Ground water quality layer of PAH in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-PAH-QL
Ground water quality layer of PAH in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-PAH-QL
Ground water quality layer of PAH in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-PAH-QL
Ground water quality layer of PAH in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-PAH-QL
Ground water quality layer of MO in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-MO-QL
Ground water quality layer of MO in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-MO-QL
Ground water quality layer of MO in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-MO-QL
Ground water quality layer of MO in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-MO-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ps in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Ps-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ps in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Ps-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ps in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Ps-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ps in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Ps-QL
Ground water quality layer of α in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-α-QL
Ground water quality layer of α in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-α-QL
Ground water quality layer of α in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-α-QL
Ground water quality layer of α in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-α-QL
Ground water quality layer of β in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-β-QL
Ground water quality layer of β in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-β-QL
Ground water quality layer of β in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-β-QL
Ground water quality layer of β in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-β-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ak in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Ak-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ak in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Ak-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ak in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Ak-QL
Ground water quality layer of Ak in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Ak-QL
Ground water quality layer of Al in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Al-QL
Ground water quality layer of Al in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Al-QL
Ground water quality layer of Al in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Al-QL
Ground water quality layer of Al in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Al-QL
Ground water quality layer of Bo in shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon Sh-Pr-Bo-QL
Ground water quality layer of Bo in shallow aquifer of post-monsoon Sh-Po-Bo-QL
Ground water quality layer of Bo in deep aquifer of pre-monsoon Dp-Pr-Bo-QL
Ground water quality layer of Bo in deep aquifer of post-monsoon Dp-Po-Bo-QL

44
classes – 1) potable ground water with desirable Criteria for classification: The concentration
limits, 2) potable ground water with permissible limits prescribed for each parameter by BIS (Indian
limits, and 3) non-potable ground water, as per Drinking Water Standards as per BIS Guideline-
the BIS standards. IS: 10500:1991) are to be used as criteria for
Figure-10: Schematic diagram showing classification of
Water quality classes: Quality of ground water quality as per BIS Standards
ground water not only depends on
elements that are present in ground
water but also their concentration. Ground water
The range between minimum and
maximum concentration of an
element can be wide having number
Potable Non-potable
of concentration levels. Therefore,
Ground water Ground water
it is possible to classify the ground
water in to that many number of
water quality classes. That is why
when the ground water quality Potable Ground water Potable Ground water
data of an element is subjected to with Desirable limits with Permissible limits
statistical analysis / interpolation,
the derived number of ground
water quality classes are many. The range of classifying the water quality data in to these three
minimum and maximum concentration of each classes. The element-wise concentration limits of
class depends on the population of concentration the three ground water quality classes are given
levels that are present ground water quality in Table-9.
data. The numbers of classes that are resulted
out of the classification are basically specific to Using the criteria given above the automatically
concentration values. generated ground water classes / units through
interpolation techniques need to be reclassified
However, human consumption point of view to derive the ground water classes / units as per
as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) BIS standards.
quality standards, the ground water is basically
classified in to potable and non-potable classes. To reclassify the automatically generated classes
The potable water, further, can be classified in to as per BIS standards;
potable water with desirable limits and potable
water with permissible limits. The non-potable  Open Spatial analyst menu and go to reclassify
water is considered as water having concentration option and click to open the Reclassify
levels beyond permissible limit. Classification of dialogue box. In the dialogue box, click Classify
ground water in to different water quality classes button to open Classification dialogue box.
is shown schematically in Figure -10. In the dialogue box, select 3 against Classes

45
 Table-9: Concentration limits of elements for classification ground water quality
Potable Non-
Sl. No Element
Desirable limit Permissible limit Potable
1 pH  6.5 to 8.5 -- <6.5 ; >8.5
2 Total Hardness (as CaCo3) mg/l < 300 300-600 > 600
3 Iron  (as Fe) mg/l < 0.3 0.3-1.0 > 1.0
4 Chlorides (as Cl) mg/l < 250 250-1000 > 1000
5 Total Dissolved solids  mg/l < 500 500-2000 > 2000
6 Bicarbonate (as MG) mg/l < 500 -- > 500
7 Calcium  (as Ca) mg/l < 75 75-200 > 200
8 Magnesium (as Mg) mg/l < 30 30-100 > 100
9 Nitrate  (as NO3) mg/l < 45 45-100 > 100
10 Sulphate  (as SO4) mg/l < 200 200-400 > 400
11 Fluoride (as F) mg/l < 1.0 1.0-1.5 > 1.5
12 Manganese (as Mn) mg/l < 0.10 0.10-0.3 > 0.3
13 Sodium (as Na) mg/l* -- -- --
14 Potassium (as K) mg/l* -- -- --
15 Arsenic (as As) mg/l < 0.05 -- > 0.05
16 Phenolic Compounds (as C 6H5OH) mg/l < 0.001 0.001-0.002 > 0.002
17 Mercury (as Hg) mg/l < 0.001 -- > 0.001
18 Cadmium (as Cd) mg/l < 0.01 -- > 0.01
19 Selenium (as Se) mg/l < 0.01 -- > 0.01
20 Copper    (as Cu) mg/l < 0.05 0.05-1.5 > 1.5
21 Cyanide (as CN) mg/l < 0.05 -- > 0.05
22 Lead  (as Pb) mg/l < 0.05 -- > 0.05
23 Zinc   (as Zn) mg/l <5 5-15 > 15
24 Anionic detergents (as MBAS) mg/l < 0.2 0.2-1.0 > 1.0
25 Chromium (as Cr6+) mg/l < 0.05 -- > 0.05
Polynuclear aromatic hydro carbons  
26 < 0.2 -- > 0.2
(as PAH) mg/l
27 Mineral Oil  mg/l < 0.01 0.01-0.03 > 0.03
28 Pesticides  mg/l 0 0-0.001 > 0.001
29 Radioactive Materials α emitters pci/l 0 0-0.1 > 0.1
30 Radioactive Materials β emitters  pci/l 0 0-1.0 > 1.0
31 Alkalinity mg/l < 200 200-600 > 600
32 Aluminium  (as Al) mg/l < 0.03 0.03-0.2 > 0.2
33 Boron  mg/l <1 1-5 >5
(Source: Indian Drinking Water Standards as per BIS Guideline-IS: 10500: 1991)

* Generally not tested for drinking water; but for carrying out cation/anion balance analysis for testing of accuracy,
aquifer evolution and agriculture pollution.

46
 by popping. Then under the Break values It has to be converted to shape file format. To
replace the existing values with values given convert the layer from raster form to shape file
in BIS standards. For example, the system format;
derived classed of Fluoride water quality layer
need to be reclassified in to 3 classes i.e. a)  Open Spatial analyst menu, go to Convert
Desirable b) Permissible and c) Non-Potable. option and click Raster to features button
The BIS standards for Fluoride are < 1.0; 1.0- available under the option. Raster to Features
1.5; > 1.5 respectively. Hence, replace the dialogue box opens. In the dialogue box, select
system generated values with these values. the input raster layer against Input raster and
The Method under Classification option will click pop up button against Output features
automatically changes to manual. Click Ok and enter the name of output shape file as
button in Classification and Reclassify dialogue per the naming convention in save as window.
boxes. The ground water quality layer with Click save in save as window and Click Ok in
3 reclassified classes is created as shown in Raster to Features dialogue box. Ground water
Figure-11, as an example. quality layer of Fluoride element in shape file
format is created as shown in Figure-12, as an
The ground water quality layer is in raster form. example.

Figure-11: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element with reclassified classes,
APO12 aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP

47
 Figure-12: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element in shape file format,
APO12 aquifer unit of part, Agra Dist., UP

Step 3 - Creation of attribute data: Then all the data. Already a polygon attribute table exists for
ground water quality units occurring in the form the ground water quality layer. Three new fields
of polygons in the ground water quality layer have to be added to this existing attribute table
have to be provided with necessary attribute for providing additional attribute data. The names
of the fields and their structure is given for the
Table-10: Data base structure of ground water quality
ground water quality layer of one element i.e.,
layer of Fluoride
Fluoride is given in Table-10, as an example.
Field Field Key
Remarks
Name Type (Y/N)
Note that the names of the fields changes from
Concentration value element – to – element, accordingly. In the first
(as range) of Fluoride
F-QV 9, 9, C Y field, lower and upper limit concentration values
element in ground
water of the element in the form of a range have to be
Numerical Code given. This information is available in the database
representing ground of the layer. In the second field, numerical code
F-QC 2, 2, C N water quality class - which represents the ground water quality class
Potable, Permissible,
i.e Potable, Permissible, Non-Potable has to be
Non Potable
given. It is to be noted that similar numerical code
Symbol Code
representing symbol already exists in the grid code column of existing
SYM- attribute table. Refer Table-11 for numerical codes
2, 2, I N of ground water
Code quality class on the to be used for representing different ground
output map water classes.

48
 Table -11: List of numerical codes to be used output ground water quality map for the element
for representing element-wise
is generated. To add new fields to the already
ground water quality classes
existing attribute table of the shape file of the
Sl. Ground water quality Numerical
No. class code ground water quality layer and to enter relevant
Potable water with data in the added fields;
1. 1
desirable limits

2.
Potable water with
2
• Open attribute table of the ground water
permissible limits quality layer. In the attribute table, click
3. Non-potable water 3 Option button to open popup menu. In the
menu, click Add Field option to open Add
In the third field, symbol code which represents
Field window. Enter first field name, field
the symbol of the ground water quality class on
type and field properties as per the database
the map has to be given. As per the BIS standards,
structure of the layer and click OK button.
Table - 12: List of symbol codes to be used New field gets added to the attribute table.
for representing element-wise ground water quality Similarly, add two more new fields. Then enter
classes on the map
the necessary attribute data against each
Ground water Symbol Map polygon in the added fields. For example, for
quality class Code Symbol
Fluoride element against the given ground
Potable water with
01 water quality class (polygon) 500-2000 mg/L
desirable limits
Potable water with is entered in the first field i.e. F_GWQV, 2 is
02
permissible limits entered in the second field i.e. F_GWQC and
Non-potable water 03 02 is entered in the third field i.e. SYM_Code,
as shown in Figure-13, as an example.
there are three ground water quality classes. Each
class is to be represented on the Figure-13: Ground water quality layer of Fluoride element, APO12
map with a map symbol. Light blue, aquifer unit, part of Agra Dist., UP with updated attribute table
light yellow and light red colours
are to be used to represent potable
ground water with desirable
limits, potable ground water
with permissible limits and non-
potable ground water respectively.
However, to maintain uniformity,
a symbol library wherein each
symbol is identified by a code is
developed, as given in Table-12.

These symbol codes are to be given

in the third field. Subsequently,
using these symbol codes, the

49
Similarly, create ground water quality layers quality layer is to be created for the part of the
(Shape files) for other elements of the aquifer unit aquifer that is present in the given aquifer unit.
also by repeating the process described in step-1
to step-3. Entire process of creation of ground water quality
layers i.e. creation of either season-wise or
4.7 Creation of aquifer-wise ground aquifer-wise ground water quality layers consists
water quality layer of four steps. Any standard GIS software can be
The ground water quality layer is to be created used for carrying out the process for creation of
by integrating the element-wise ground water ground water quality layers. Same Spatial Analyst
quality layers already created. As discussed earlier, module of Arc Map GIS software package (version
the quality of ground water varies with depth. It 9.1 or higher version) that is used for creation of
may be different for different aquifers depth-wise element-wise ground water quality layers can be
i.e. shallow and deeper aquifers. Moreover, the used for creating the ground water quality layers.
quality of ground water also varies season-wise
within the aquifer. Step1- Layer integration: In the first step, all
the element-wise ground water quality layers of
In view of this, in the first stage, season-wise the aquifer unit are to be integrated. As a result
ground water quality layers - two (one for pre- of integration, a combined ground water quality
monsoon and the second for post-monsoon) for layer consisting of various ground water quality
shallow part of the aquifer unit and another two units is derived. Each unit forms due to the union
(one for pre-monsoon and the second for post- of element-wise ground water quality classes.
monsoon) for deeper part of the aquifer unit are Depending on the variations in the distribution
to be created. Element-wise ground water quality of element - wise ground water quality in the
layers belonging to all the four seasons may not aquifer unit, several combinations are possible
be there for a given aquifer unit. Season-wise and accordingly several ground water quality
ground water quality layers are to be created for units may occur in the aquifer unit. Therefore, the
the seasons for which element-wise ground water quality of ground water in respect of different
quality layers are available. In the second stage, elements is unique in the unit and the overall
depth-wise ground water quality layers - one for ground water quality varies from unit to unit. To
shallow and the second for deeper aquifer units integrate element-wise ground water quality
are to be created by integrating again the season- layers and generate combined ground water
wise ground water quality layers belonging to the quality layer;
respective aquifer unit. Thus finally two separate
ground water quality layers one for shallow • Go to Arc toolbox menu and open Analysis
aquifer unit and the other for deeper aquifer unit Tools. From Analysis Tools menu, open
are to be created by integrating the element- Overlay and from the Overlay menu, select
wise ground water quality layers. However, both Union. Double click Union, to open Union
shallow and deeper parts may not be there in the dialogue box. In the dialogue box, add all the
given aquifer unit. In such case, the ground water

50
 element-wise ground water Figure-14: Integrated ground water quality layer with automatic classes,
APO-12 aquifer unit, parts of Agra Dist., UP
quality layers (shape files)
using pop-up menu of Input
Features. All the element-
wise ground water quality
layers can be added one after
the other or at a time. Then
give the name of the output
file against Output Feature
Class. A naming convention
is suggested, as given in
Table-13, for naming the
output integrated ground
water quality layers so that
uniformity can be maintained
in the database.
Step 2- Attribute data creation: The attribute
Table-13: List of alphabetic codes to be used data that is there for the ground water quality
for naming integrated ground water quality layers units (polygons) of the input element-wise
Integrated ground water quality Alphabetical ground water quality layers automatically appears
layer code
against the derived ground water quality units
Ground water quality layer
Sh-Pr- GWQL (polygons) in the attribute table of integrated
of shallow aquifer of pre-monsoon
Ground water quality layer ground water quality layer. This data needs to be
Sh-Po-GWQL
of shallow aquifer of post-monsoon re-arranged and updated. Fields to be added in
Ground water quality layer the attribute table and structure to be followed is
Dp-Pr-GWQL
of deep aquifer of pre-monsoon
given in Table-14. As per this database structure,
Ground water quality layer
Dp-Po-GWQL the attribute data is to be provided in the
of deep aquifer of pre-monsoon
Ground water quality layer attribute table for all the ground water quality
Sh-GWQL
of shallow aquifer units (polygons) of the integrated ground water
Ground water quality layer quality layer.
Dp-GWQL
of deep aquifer

Four new fields are to be added to the existing

Accordingly the name of the output file is to be
attribute table of the integrated ground water
given. Click OK button. The integrated ground
layer. In the first field, element-wise (for the
water quality layer is generated. Integrated
elements that are present in the ground water
ground water quality layer created for deeper
quality unit) quality of ground water is to be
aquifer using pre-monsoon element-wise ground
given. But the quality is to be indicated in the
water quality layers is shown in Figure-14, as an
form of elements’ concentration value in range
example.
i.e., minimum and maximum value, for example

51
 Table-14: Data base structure of integrated ground water quality layer
Field Key
Field name Remarks
type (Y/N)
Element-wise concentration in the form of value in range
indicating quality of ground water is to be given. eg. Fe-
100,
1.2-1.5 mg/l, TDS-1750-2000 mg/l.
EGWQV Y
100,C
‘Pr’ or ‘Po’ may be added as pre-fix to indicate the season
respectively.
Element-wise concentration in the form of numeric code
representing quality of ground water is to be given. eg.
100,
Fe-1, TDS-2.
EGWQC N
100,C
‘Pr’ or ‘Po’ may be added as pre-fix to indicate the season
respectively.
Numerical code representing overall quality of ground
GWQC 2,2, C N
water is to be given. Refer table-12.
Symbol code representing map symbol to be used for
SYM-Code 2,2, I N depicting ground water quality class on the map is to be
given. Refer Table-13.

as TDS- 1750-2000 mg/l, Fe-1.2-1.5 mg/l etc. These three classes for which three numerical codes as
values are available in the database. In the second given in Table-13 are there. Appropriate code is to
field also, element-wise (for the elements that are be given in the field.
present in the ground water quality unit) quality
of ground water is to be given. But the quality is The procedure for estimating the overall quality
to be indicated in the form of numerical code, of ground water in the unit is described in step-3
for example as TDS-2, Fe-3, etc. Same numerical under classification of quality of ground water.
codes provided in Table-15 can be used here also. After estimating the overall quality of ground
water based on the said procedure, appropriate
In the third field, overall quality of ground water in numerical code can be assigned.
terms of i) potable with desirable limits ii) potable
with permissible limits, and iii) non-potable is to In the fourth field, symbol code representing map
be given in the form of numerical codes. There are symbol that is to be used for depicting ground
water quality class on the output map is to be
Table - 15: List of numeric al codes to be used for given. A total of fifteen ground water quality
representing integrated ground water quality classes
classes are likely to emerge out of the integration
Water quality Numerical
Sl. No. of pre and post monsoon element-wise ground
class code
Potable water with water quality classes. Another two classes are
1. 1
desirable limits
also may emerge out of the integration of no data
Potable water with
2. 2 classes. To represent all these classes’ seventeen
permissible limits
3. Non-potable water 3 symbol codes have been identified and given in

52
Table-16. Corresponding map symbols have also open Add Field window. Enter first field name,
been designed and provided against numerical field type and field properties as per the
codes in the table. database structure of the layer and click OK
button. New field gets added to the attribute
The symbol code consists of colour as well as table. Similarly, add three more new fields.
symbol. The colour is to be used to represent Then enter the necessary attribute data against
quality of the pre- monsoon season ground each polygon in the added fields. For example,
water and symbol is to be used to represent post- in the attribute table of shallow aquifer ground
monsoon season ground water. There are three water quality layer, in the first field i.e. GWQC,
colours in colour scheme i.e. Blue, Yellow and either 1 or 2 or 3 is to be entered; in the second
Red. Blue, Yellow and Red colours are to be used field i.e. EGWQV, element-wise concentration
for representing potable, permissible and non- value in range, for example, Pr: Fe-1.2-1.5 mg/l,
potable quality of pre-monsoon season ground TDS-1750-2000 mg/l Po: Fe-0.5-1.0 mg/l, TDS-
water respectively. Similarly, there are three 450-500 mg/l is to be entered; in the third field
symbols in the symbol scheme i.e., plus, dot and i.e. EGWQC, element-wise concentration in the
minus. The ‘plus, dot’ and minus symbols are to form of code, for example, Pr: Fe-3, TDS-2 Po:
be used for representing potable, permissible Fe-1, TDS-1 is to be entered; in the fourth field
and non-potable quality of post-monsoon i.e. SYM_Code, 13 is to be entered.
season ground water respectively. Different
combinations of colours and symbols are to be Step 3 - Classification of ground water quality
used for representing different combinations units: In a given ground water quality unit
of ground water quality classes pertaining to (polygon), the quality of ground water with
different seasons. These symbols have to be used respect to one element may not be same with
while composing the ground water quality map. respect to another element and hence may not
However, to maintain uniformity in map symbols belong to a single class. For example, the quality
across the maps prepared for different regions, a of ground water with respect to one element may
symbol library consisting of these map symbols is belong to class-1 and the quality of ground water
created and is being made available for common with respect to another element may belong to
usage. class-3. Any combination is possible. From the
human consumption point of view, the overall
To add new fields to the already existing attribute quality of ground water in the given ground water
table of the shape file of the integrated ground quality unit has to be worked out. As discussed
water quality layer and to enter relevant data in earlier, there are three classes as per BIS standards
the added fields; - 1) potable ground water with desirable limits, 2)
potable ground water with permissible limits, and
• Open existing attribute table of the integrated
3) non-potable ground water. Hence, the overall
ground water quality layer. In the attribute
quality of ground water also needs to be classified
table, click Option button to open popup
in to one of these classes. The quality of ground
menu. In the menu, click Add Field option to

53
 Table-16: List of symbol codes to be used
for representing integrated ground water quality classes on the map
Table-16: List of symbol codes to be used
for representing integrated ground water quality classes on the map
Symbol Symbol
Polygon features
Codes
Potable water with desirable limits (Pre-monsoon) 01

Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) 02

Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) 03

Potable water with desirable limits (Post-monsoon) 04 

Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon) 05 

Non-potable water (Post-monsoon) 06 _

Potable water with desirable limits (Pre-monsoon) +

07 
Potable water with desirable limits (Post-monsoon)
Potable water with desirable limits (Pre-monsoon) +
08 
Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)
Potable water with desirable limits (Pre-monsoon) +
09
Non-potable water (Post-monsoon)
Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +
10 
Potable water with desirable limits (Post-monsoon)
Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +
11 
Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)
Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +
12
Non-Potable water (Post-monsoon)
Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +
13 
Potable water with desirable limits (Post-monsoon)
Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +
14 
Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)
Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +
15
Non-potable water (Post-monsoon)

No-Data - Legacy data not available 16

No-Data – Hills and steep slope areas where there 17 

are no habitations

54
water in the given ground water quality unit is to dissolve the main polygons. It is difficult to predict
be categorized as class-1; if the quality of ground what type of sliver polygons gets generated and
water with respect to all the elements belongs develop criteria to differentiate main and sliver
to class-1. The quality of ground water is to be polygons. Generation of sliver polygons is highly
categorized as class-2; if the quality of ground sample ground water quality data specific. The
water with respect to some elements belongs to sliver polygons have to be dissolved based on
class-1and other elements belong to class-2. The analysis of attribute data that is generated during
quality of ground water is to be categorized as the process of integration. However, the following
class-3; if the quality of ground water with respect polygons, in general, can be treated as sliver
to some elements belongs to class-1or class-2 and polygons and considered for dissolving.
other elements belong to class-3. In other words,
the worst quality of ground water in respect of Polygons in which there are no ground water
individual elements present in the unit becomes quality data sample points.
the overall quality of ground water of a given
1. Contiguous polygons having same quality of
ground water quality unit. The calculation and
ground water in respect of both element-wise
assignment of class value to the polygons can
ground water quality as well as integrated
be done manually or using a suitable statistical /
ground water quality.
mathematical equation under GIS environment.
2. Polygons occurring as narrow zones in the
Once the classification is carried out, appropriate periphery of large polygons.
numerical codes have to be entered against the
3. Polygons occupying small areas (insignificant
ground water quality units (polygons) in the
ones) and occurring as isolated units within
attribute table.
the large polygons.

Step 4 - Dissolving of duplicate units: During

During the integration process, areas having
the process of integration of element-wise ground
the same class of quality of ground water are
water quality units (polygons) through union,
generated as a single polygon even though the
sliver polygons may get generated and appear
areas are not contiguous. It means that more than
in the integrated ground water quality layer. This
one polygon may exist with same polygon ID in
happens i) when there is a change in the locations
the integrated ground water quality layer. These
of ground water quality data samples in the input
polygons have to be disintegrated in to separate
individual layers ii) when there is a variation
polygons with individual IDs in order to facilitate
(which is common) in the range of element-wise
the execution of dissolving of sliver polygons. To
concentration values considered for mapping and
disintegrate the polygon;
iii) when the distances between the ground water
quality data samples are not uniform. Such units
• Open the integrated ground water quality
(polygons) need to be dissolved in to respective
layer and put the layer under editing mode
main ground water quality units. While dissolving
by selecting the layer through Start editing
the sliver polygons care should be taken not to

55
 function available in the popup menu of Editor. The sliver polygons also can be dissolved based
Then go to View and from the menu open on interactive mode by merging the unwanted
Toolbars menu through Toolbars menu. Select polygons with the main polygon using merge
Advanced editing to open advanced editing function available under Editor Tool. For this
tools. Select the polygon to be disintegrated purpose the polygons to be merged have to be
and click Explode multi-part feature tool identified based on the attribute ground water
available in the advanced editing toolbar. The quality data. The integrated ground water
group of polygons gets disintegrated in to quality layer of APO-12 aquifer, part of Agra
individual polygons. Dist., UP thus generated is shown in Figure-15,
as an example.
To dissolve duplicate ground
Figure-15: Integrated ground water quality layer with classes as per BIS
water quality units / sliver
Standards, APO-12 aquifer, part of Agra Dist., UP
polygons;

• Go to Arc tool box; from

the menu open Data
Management Tools. From
the Data Management Tools
menu open generalization
and from generalization menu
double click Dissolve to open
Dissolve dialogue box. In the
dissolve dialogue box, select
the integrated ground water
layer to be edited against
the Input Features using the
popup icon. Select one or
more than one field using
4.8 Creation of region-wise ground
which the polygons have to be dissolved from
water quality layer
the drop list appearing under Dissolve_Field(s).
4.8.1 Mosaic creation
Instead empirical formula based on which the
polygons have to be dissolved can be given For each aquifer unit, one integrated ground

against the Statistics Field(s). Give output water quality layer is created. In a given region

integrated layer name and saving directory / state it is expected that there will be number

against Output Features Class using popup of aquifer units and accordingly there will be

icon. Click OK button to carry out dissolving corresponding number of integrated layers. All

function and generate cleaned integrated these layers have to be merged to create a mosaic

ground water quality layer which is free of of ground water quality layer for entire region /

sliver polygons. state.

56
For merging integrated ground water quality there may not be perfect match of ground
layers pertaining to different aquifer units of the water quality units (polygons) in terms of
region or state; their unit boundaries and / or classes of
ground water quality across the aquifer unit
• Go to Arc Tool box and open Data Management boundaries. Such edge matching should be
Tools in the menu. Open General in the Data carried out on the resultant merged ground
Management Tools menu. Double click General water quality layer by manual editing without
to open Merge dialogue box. In the dialogue removing the aquifer unit boundaries.
box select the integrated ground water layer
to be merged against the Input Datasets 4.8.2 Validation
using the popup icon. All the input integrated Once the merged integrated ground water quality
ground water layers to be merged can be layer is created, the ground water quality units
selected one by one or all at a time. The layers (polygons) that are occurring in the layer needs
have to be merged in respect of all the fields to be evaluated for their accuracy. The accuracy
of attribute data and hence it is to be ensured is to be evaluated mainly in respect of i) miss-
that all the fields appear against the Field Map. classification of ground water quality data sample
Give output integrated layer name and saving locations and ii) deviations in the pattern of
directory against Output Dataset using popup distribution of ground water quality units. In case
icon. Click OK button to carry out merging if, ground water quality data sample locations
function and generate merged ground water representing all the habitations of the given
quality layer for all the aquifers (Figure-16). area are not covered for interpolation, it may so
While merging the different integrated layers happen that the habitations which are left out
i.e. layers pertaining to different aquifer units, may fall in a ground water quality unit to which it
does not belong resulting in miss-
Figure-16: Integrated ground water quality layer, part of Agra Dist., UP classification of the habitation.
Similarly, because of abnormal
gaps between ground water
quality data sample locations,
the pattern of distribution of
ground water quality units comes
out unnaturally. For example, as
shown in Figure-17, Khera and
Asmangadh which are supposed
to be classified in to non-potable
ground water quality units are
classified in to potable with
permissible limit and potable
with desirable limit ground water
quality units respectively.

57
 Figure-17: Integrated ground water quality layer, part of Agra Dist., UP Map Template: In order to
showing miss-classified ground water quality data sample locations
maintain common map standards
both in the map part and index
part and uniformity in the output,
a template has been designed
giving provision to create map
as well as the legend. Figure-18
shows the sample map layout.

Along with these provisions

the template consists of fixed
map title, area covered under
mapping, common index, and
other descriptions of the map.
Using this layout both regional
as well as toposheet-wise
Such mistakes / deviations are to be rectified ground water quality maps are
using the satellite imagery along with the original to be generated. Only the scale of the map gets
ground water quality data point layer. The changed depending on the area of coverage. The
corrections can be made manually by interactive map templates are made available for composing
mode under GIS environment. the maps. Only few modifications pertaining to
description of the map which are relevant to the
4.9 Generation of ground water quality map under composition have to be made during
map the map generation.
It is expected that two types of ground water
4.9.2 Generation of regional / state ground
quality maps are created – 1) Ground water
water quality map
quality map of a region / entire state and 2)
Two regional / state ground water quality maps,
Ground water quality map corresponding to
one for shallow depth zone and second for
1:50, 000 scale toposheet. If two types of aquifers
deeper depth zone, are to be generated. For
i.e shallow and deep are there in the region /
creating each map, the respective aquifer unit
state; two maps, one for shallow and the other
layer and merged integrated ground water quality
for deeper aquifer have to be generated. In any
layer, the base map layers and the administrative
case, the maps are to be generated through the
boundaries layer along with their symbol libraries
process of composition.
are required. These layers have to be called in a
4.9.1 Map composition sequential order and the base map details layer
Map composition is to be carried out using the has to be called to the template in the last so that
map template. all the map contents are properly represented.
Once the layers are displayed, then call symbol

58
 Figure-18: Ground water quality map template

Kilometers
0 1 2 3 4 5
MAP SHEET NO. 49M/1

Alluvial Plain Older Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +

Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +

Non-Potable water (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +

Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +

Non-potable water (Post-monsoon)

Flood Plain & Alluvial Plain Gullied No-Data - Legacy data not available

< 30 30-

MAP SHEET INDEX ADMINISTRATIVE INDEX

49M/1

C Designed & Developed by Hydrogeology Division, NRSC, ISRO

codes of the respective layers and assign the season-wise.

symbols according to the standards. Add the
labels also as per the requirement for each layer. Base map details: The base map details include
In the final map the following information is to be habitations, administrative boundaries, roads,
made available. railway lines, drainage network, and water bodies.
All the features pertaining to these base map
Ground water quality units: All the ground details are to be represented with respective
water quality units including no data units are to symbols as per the prescribed standards. In
be shown with the prescribed colour-symbols. addition to this, the names of the habitations are
The colour-symbol indicates the quality of ground to be provided. Proper care needs to be taken not
water in the area. In addition to this, the units are to write the name over other alpha-numerical
also to be labeled with alpha-numerical codes. In codes and sufficient gap is to be maintained
the alpha-numerical code, the alpha code stands between habitation symbol and name.
for the quality parameter in respect of which
ground water is tested in the given unit area Aquifer units: The aquifer unit boundaries are to
and the numerical code stands for the quality of be shown in thick line so that it comes out clearly.
ground water in terms of desirable, permissible Further, each aquifer unit needs to be shown
and non-potable. ‘Pr’ and ‘Po’, the abbreviations with labels i.e alpha-numeric codes. The labels
for pre monsoon and post monsoon respectively need not be shown in each and every ground
need to be added as suffix to the alpha-numerical water quality unit; they can be shown in one or
codes to indicate the quality of ground water two suitable locations by highlighting the letters.

59
 Figure-19: Ground water quality map, part of Agra Dist.,U.P

There are no prescribed standards to be followed 4.9.3 Generation of 1:50,000 Scale

for labeling and making aquifer unit boundary toposheet-wise ground water quality map
line. However, proper care needs to be taken 4.9.3.1 Clipping
not to obscure the information presented in the Clipping of boundary in earlier step has been done
background.
Figure-20: 1:50,000 scale toposheet grid

A sample ground water quality map pertaining

to part of Agra Dist, U.P (map part) is shown in
Figure-19, as an example.

Quality parameter-wise ground water quality

maps also can be generated following the
procedure described above. Only change is that
in place of merged ground water quality layer, the
respective quality parameter-wise ground water
quality layer is to be used.

60
only for visualization purpose. However to make a 4.9.3.2 Creation of legend
permanent clipping Clip function available under For each map, a self explanatory legend is to be
Analysis Tools of Arc Toolbox is to be used. Clipping created which describes the spatial ground water
can be done state-wise and also toposheet-wise. quality data presented in the map part (Figure-
As per the requirement the clipping also can be 21). A part of this description which relates mainly
done on individual layers (Figure-20). to the symbols used for representing various
map features is same for the spatial ground water
As discussed in the preceding sections, the quality data presented in different maps whereas
ground water quality data is prepared basically remaining part of description which relates to
as a single entity in seamless mosaic form. This quality of ground water varies from map to map.
data straight away can be generated as a single Provision for giving both the descriptions is made
map output for entire state. However, in order in the left part of the map template.
to generate toposheet-wise maps on 1:50,000
scale, the seamless mosaic need to be clipped Common legend: Since, the description related
accordingly. For clipping the data 1:50,000 scale to the symbols is same for all the maps, a
grid provided in Figure-20 can be used. common legend is already created and included
in the bottom portion of left part of template

Figure-21: Ground water prospects map, part of Agra Dist., U.P (map part),
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6

61
 Alluvial Plain Older Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +
Non-potable water (Post-monsoon)

Flood Plain & Alluvial Plain Gullied No-Data - Legacy data not available

Figure-22a: Ground water prospects map, part of Agra Dist., U.P (legend fixed part),
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6

< 30 30-

MAP SHEET INDEX ADMINISTRATIVE INDEX

49M/1

gy Division, NRSC, ISRO

as a fixed part (Figure-22a). This takes care of Dynamic legend: The upper part of the legend
description related to the symbols; there is no provides map unit-wise ground water quality
need to create it once again. It is to be noted that information and lower part provides the
details pertaining to description of the map are symbology details about the base map, location
also need to be provided.

Figure-22b: Ground water prospects map, part of Agra Dist., U.P (legend dynamic part),
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6

Alluvial Plain Older Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +

Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +

Non-Potable water (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +

Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +

Non-potable water (Post-monsoon)

Flood Plain & Alluvial Plain Gullied No-Data - Legacy data not available

62

< 30 30-
map, toposheet index, administrative index and Column 4 - Post monsoon Ground water
other reference information. The format of the quality: In this column, the quality of ground
legend is fixed to maintain the standards and water in post monsoon season is to be given.
uniformity (Figure-22b). There are seven columns The quality is to be given as per BIS standards.
to provide the ground water quality information It could be desirable, or permissible or non
against each ground water quality class. The potable.
details are to be furnished as per the prescribed
standards. Column 5 - Constituents analyzed: In this
column, the quality parameters in terms of
Column 1 - Map Unit: In this column, the which the quality of ground water is tested are
information about ground water quality unit is to be listed. Out of 33 quality parameters only
furnished with alpha-numeric code, where the few must have been tested in the given region
alphabetic code represents geomorphic unit and / state. Those quality parameters only are to be
numeric code represents lithological unit and listed. The list need not be given against each and
both are separated by a dash (e.g. VF-11, PPW-83, every ground water quality unit. It can be given
etc). Further, the box is filled with colour-symbol. one time against a group of ground water quality
The colour represents the pre monsoon quality units for which the list is common.
and symbol represents the post monsoon quality.
Column 6 - Anomalous constituents: In this
While arranging all the map units in the legend,
column, the quality parameters because of
the geological sequence should be followed.
which the quality of ground water has become
Within the rock types, the geomorphic units
permissible or Non-Potable are to be listed. In
have to be arranged as per the relief (i.e. starting
other words, wherever the water is of permissible
from valleys and plains on the top to hills at the
or non-potable quality, the reasons for permissible
bottom).
or non-potable quality (e.g. TDS-2, F-3, etc) have
Column 2 - Aquifer unit description: In this to be given in this column.
column, the name of hydrogeomorphic unit
Column 7 - Remarks: In this column, the
has to be given followed by alphabetic codes
problems / limitations with reference to ground
in brackets, e.g. Valley Fill-Alluvium (VF-11),
water quality are to be given. Genesis and
Weathered pediplain- Granite (PPW-83). All the
dispersion of ground water quality can be
hydrogeomorphic units within a given rock type
highlighted. Any information which is relevant
have to be arranged as per the relief, i.e. starting
and could not be provided in the other columns
from valleys and plains on the top and hills at the
bottom. can be provided here.

Column 3 - Pre monsoon Ground water quality: A sample ground water quality map of Part of
In this column, the quality of ground water in Agra dist, U.P (legend part) is shown in Figure-24,
pre monsoon season is to be given. The quality as an example.
is to be given as per BIS standards. It could be
desirable, or permissible or non potable.

63
64
Kilometers
0 1 2 3 4 5
MAP SHEET NO. 49M/1

Alluvial Plain Older Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +

Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Potable water with permissible limits (Pre-monsoon) +

Non-Potable water (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +

Potable water with permissible limits (Post-monsoon)

Alluvial Plain Older Non-potable water (Pre-monsoon) +

Non-potable water (Post-monsoon)

Flood Plain & Alluvial Plain Gullied No-Data - Legacy data not available

< 30 30-

MAP SHEET INDEX ADMINISTRATIVE INDEX

49M/1

C Designed & Developed by Hydrogeology Division, NRSC, ISRO

Figure-23: Sample ground water quality map, part of Agra Dist., U.P
corresponding to SOI toposheet No. 45/6
 Quality Assurance
Mechanism and
Accuracy Standards
5. Quality Assurance procedure where the subjectivity is involved. To
ensure that the deviations and errors are removed
Mechanism and
and subjectivity is rectified the data is to be
Accuracy Standards evaluated in terms of its thematic accuracy as well
as its digital accuracy.
5.1 Data contents to be quality
evaluated 5.2.1 Datum and Projection
As discussed in earlier sections, entire process
The layers and maps should be in WGS - 84 datum
of ground water quality map preparation is
and in either LCC / TM projection. The list of the
completed in three main stages. In the first stage,
states where the layers and maps should be in
the input data required for map generation is
LCC projection and the list of the states where the
processed and organized in to a GIS data base.
layers and maps should be in TM projection are
In the second stage, interpolation of the point
given in Table-18a and 18b respectively.
data is carried out using the GIS data base based
on appropriate statistical methods. In the third 5.2.2 Thematic data accuracy
stage, the interpolated spatial data is integrated
The thematic parameters that are to be
to derive the distribution of the quality of the
considered for quality evaluation are -
ground water. At the end of each stage an
output is generated. At the end of first stage, • Classification of water quality data as per the
the ground water sample layer is created. At BIS standards
the end of second stage, element-wise ground • Selection of ground water samples based on
water quality layers are created. And in the third the interpretation of satellite data considering
stage, the ground water quality map is generated geogenic and anthropogenic parameters
from which finally the toposheet-wise ground • Selection of suitable interpolation technique
water quality maps are clipped out. The output for generating element-wise ground water
generated in the first stage is input for the quality layers
process in the second stage, similarly the output • Sequencing of element-wise layers for
generated in the second stage is input for the integration
process in the third stage. Both the processes and • Dissolving of duplicate integrated ground
output generation involved in each stage is to be water quality units
evaluated for their quality. • Validation of integrated ground water quality
units involves
5.2 Parameters to be considered for
accuracy evaluation Subjectivity is involved in carrying out the work
pertaining to these parameters. Hence, deviations
Even though the procedure for the mapping
are likely to occur across the areas and the Partner
is well defined, most part of it is automated,
Institutions. Geological knowledge and expertise
the data structure and standards are specified,
is required to evaluate the accuracy of these
deviations and errors are likely to creep in to
parameters. The standards to be followed in case
the data base due to the complexity involved in
of thematic data are given in Table-17.
the work. Further there are some steps in the

67
5.2.3 Digital data accuracy 5.4 Mechanism for quality evaluation
Digital data parameters include, feature type A two level quality evaluation mechanism is
of the layer, fields and structure of the attribute established to ensure high quality out puts from
tables, naming conventions, map layouts. The the project work. In the first level, the data is
standards to be maintained while generating the evaluated by Internal Quality Evaluation team and
data are well defined. As the subjectivity is not in the second level the data rectified / corrected
involved in these activities it is only to be ensured by the internal team will be evaluated by the
that the standards are followed and products are External Quality Evaluation Team.
generated as per the specifications. Knowledge
and expertise in GIS is required to evaluate the 5.4.1 Internal Quality Evaluation
accuracy of these parameters. The standards to Partner Institutions of the concerned state have
be followed in case of digital data are given in to establish an Internal Quality Evaluation Team in
Table-17. each Partner Institute in consultation with NRSC.
The team should consist of experienced hydro
5.3 Stages at which quality evaluation geologists and GIS experts. The Internal Quality
to be conducted Evaluation Team will conduct quality checking
The procedure followed and the output generated at the end of each of the three stages. The team
at every stage is to be evaluated for the quality. evaluates the process followed and the outputs
Since there are three main stages involved in generated considering both thematic and digital
the realization of the final product, the quality parameters.
evaluation is to be carried out at all the three
levels. 5.4.2 External Quality Evaluation
NRSC constitutes the External Quality Evaluation
5.3.1 First Quality evaluation (QC-1) Team consisting of scientists from NRSC/ISRO
The first quality evaluation is to be conducted for each state or for a group of states. The team
after completing the process in the first stage and conducts quality checking of the data generated
producing the ground water sample layer. by the Partner Institutes in the respective states.
The External Quality Evaluation Team will conduct
5.3.2 Second Quality evaluation (QC-2) quality checking at the end of each of the three
The second quality evaluation is to be conducted stages on the products already evaluated by the
after completing the process in the second stage Internal Quality Evaluation Team of the concerned
and producing element-wise ground water Partner Institute. The outputs rectified based on
quality layers. the suggestions of the Internal Quality Evaluation
Team and the quality evaluation report given by
5.3.3 Third Quality evaluation (QC-3) the Internal Quality Evaluation Team will form the
The third quality evaluation is to be conducted basis for external quality checking.
after completing the process in the third stage and
producing integrated ground water quality map
and toposheet-wise ground water quality map.

68
Table-17: NNRMS standards-parameters and values for thematic / GIS database and output for 1:50,000 scale

Image standards
Generic/Standard Resolution 25m XS or better
IRS and Aerial Image Resolutions recommended for NNRMS 23.5 m XS supported by 5.8 m
activities Pan / XS
NSF State
Projection for image outputs LCC/TM
Datum for image products WGS 84
Image Frames (geometrically corrected; important for
15’ X 15’
seamlessness)
Image Position (Planimetric) 25
Accuracy (0.5 mm of scale) in meters
Band-to-Band Registration for XS data (0.25 pixel) in meters ~6

Thematic / Cartographic mapping standards

NSF State
Minimum Map Frame size for incorporation to NRR 15’ X 15’
Image Registration accuracy @ 0.5 pixel (RMS) 12m
Map Projection LCC/TM
Datum WGS 84
Position (Planimetric) Accuracy (1mm of scale) in m 50
Minimum Mapable Unit (MMU) (3 x 3 mm of scale) in sq meters 22500
DEM Z-Spacing as 1mm of scale in m 50
DEM Z-Accuracy in meters 10
Thematic Accuracy of Classification/Mapping 90/90
• Digital GIS compliant
Map Formats
Paper

GIS database standards

Spatial Framework Seamless -National
5’ X 5’ &
Tie-Point Intervals for Spatial Framework
3’ 45” X 3’ 45”
Coordinate units for Precision Decimal-Seconds
Projection Geographic
Datum WGS 84
Coordinate Precision Single
Minimum Frame size for NRR 15’ X 15’
GIS DB Tic Registration Accuracy (0.25mm of scale) (RMS) in
12.5
meters

69
GIS database standards Contd...
Position (Planimetric) Accuracy (1mm of scale) in meters 50
Coordinate Movement Tolerance (CMT) (0.125mm of scale)
6.25
in meters*
Weed Tolerance (WT) (0.125mm of scale) in meters* 6.25
Sliver Polygon Tolerance <22500
(SPT) (LESS-THAN MMU) in meters*
Grid Size (for Image/Raster/DEM Layers) (0.5mm of scale)
25
in meters

Output standards
• Digital GIS compliant.
Output Formats (Filter as defined by National
• Digital Web-compliant
map Policy)
• Paper
• Admin Units –
State, District, Taluk, Villages
• Cadastre Reference
Output Framework
• Natural Regions
• User defined region polygon
• Spatial Framework grids

70
 Table-18a: NSF parameters of LCC projection system for 1:50,000 & larger scale

Ref.
Latitude Longitude LCC parameters (in decimal degree) False origin
Long (in
State (in decimal (in decimal in metres
decimal
degree) degree) (Both X & Y)
degree) SP1 SP2 Cen. Parallel Scale Factor
Andhra Pradesh 12.5 20 76.75 85 80.875 13.75 18.75 16.25543298 0.99050399 1000000
Arunachal
26.5 29.5 91.5 97.5 94.5 27 29 28.00157897 0.999799464 1000000
Pradesh
Assam 24 28 89.5 96 92.75 24.6666667 27.333333 26.00257703 0.999694921 1000000
Bihar 24 27.75 83.25 88.5 85.875 24.625 27.125 25.87725247 0.999728271 1000000
Delhi 28.25 29 76.5 77.5 77 28.375 28.875 28.62510126 0.999936773 1000000
Gujarat 20 24.75 68.25 74.5 71.375 20.7916667 23.958333 22.37807121 0.999601981 1000000
Haryana 27.5 31 74.25 77.75 76 28.0833333 30.416667 29.25226266 0.999734937 1000000
Himachal Pradesh 30.25 33.25 75.5 79.25 77.375 30.75 32.75 31.75183497 0.999766243 1000000
Jammu & Kashmir 32.25 37.25 72.5 80.5 76.5 33.0833333 36.416667 34.75570874 0.999461303 1000000
Jharkhand 22 25.25 83.25 88 85.625 22.5416667 24.708333 23.62652682 0.999798754 1000000
Madhya Pradesh 21 27 73.75 83 78.375 22 26 24.00529821 0.999368976 1000000
Maharashtra 15.5 22.25 72.5 81 76.75 16.625 21.125 18.88015774 0.999225467 1000000
Manipur 23.75 25.75 93 95 94 24.0833333 25.416667 24.75060911 0.99990381 1000000
Meghalaya 25 26.25 89.75 93 91.375 25.2083333 26.041667 25.62524747 0.999940111 1000000
Nagaland 25 27.25 93.25 95.5 94.375 25.375 26.875 26.12581974 0.999878274 1000000
North East 21.75 29.5 89.5 97.5 93.5 23.0416667 28.208333 25.63452135 0.998955546 1000000
Orissa 17.75 22.75 81.25 87.5 84.375 18.5833333 21.916667 20.25305174 0.999567913 1000000
Punjab 29.5 32.5 73.75 77 75.375 30 32 31.00178226 0.999773823 1000000
Rajasthan 23 30.75 69.25 78.5 73.875 24.21916667 29.458333 26.88505546 0.998947797 1000000
Uttar Pradesh 23.75 30.5 77 84.75 80.875 24.875 29.375 27.13270823 0.999190172 1000000
Uttaranchal 28.5 31.5 77.5 81.25 79.375 29 31 30.0017132 0.999783182 1000000

71
 Table-18b: NSF parameters of TM projection system for 1:50,000 & larger scale

72
Ref. Lat (in Ref. Long False origin in
Latitude (in decimal Longitude (in decimal
State decimal (in decimal TM Scale factor metres (Both X
degree) degree)
degree) degree) & Y)

Andaman &Nicobar
6.75 13.75 92.00 94.50 10.25 93.25 0.9999428 1000000
islands
Chhattisgarh 17.75 24.25 80 84.5 21 82.25 0.9998332 1000000
Goa 14.75 16 73.5 74.5 15.375 74 0.9999913 1000000
Karnataka 11.5 18.75 74 78.75 15.125 76.375 0.9998012 1000000
Kerala 8 13 74.5 77.5 10.5 76 0.9999177 1000000
Lakshadweep 8.25 11.75 72.00 74.25 10 73.125 0.9999536 1000000
Mizoram 21.75 24.5 92 93.5 23.125 92.75 0.9999821 1000000
Sikkim 27 28.25 88 89 27.625 88.5 0.9999926 1000000
Tamil nadu 8 13.75 76 80.75 10.875 78.375 0.9997942 1000000
Tripura 22.75 24.75 91 92.5 23.75 91.75 0.9999822 1000000
West Bengal 21.5 27.25 85.75 90 24.375 87.875 0.9998584 1000000
Project Orientation Training
Infrastructure
Preservation of data
6. Project Orientation 7. Infrastructure
Training
For carry out the ground water quality mapping,
An orientation training which includes hands on the following Hardware and Software is required.
demonstration is given to all the hydro geologists Hardware : High-end Computer System
and GIS experts of the partnership institutions
Software : Arc GIS, Surfer, Microsoft excel
involved in the ground water quality mapping.
The training is given by the scientists of NRSC /
ISRO either at NRSC campus or at the work place
8. Preservation of data
of the Partner Institution. It will be given in the
beginning of the project work during mutually Original copy of the main output – ground water
convenient period. The hydro geologists and GIS quality map corresponding to 1:50,000 scale
experts of the partnership institutions are trained both in digital and hard copy format and the
on various aspects of ground water quality map intermediate outputs (as per the deliverables)
generation which includes data preparation, in digital format will be submitted to the DDWS,
processing and output generation. MoRD, Govt. of India. A duplicate copy of the
same will be kept in the custody of NRSC / ISRO.
In addition to this, technical guidance will be
The Partner Institution involved in the mapping
provided by the focal points for the project work
work should not keep the data in any form. It
from NRSC side from time to time. The hydro
should be removed from the systems once it is
geologists and GIS experts of the partnership
accepted and submitted to NRSC/ISRO. Nobody,
institutions can also visit NRSC for any additional
either individual or an Institution is authorized
technical guidance. A special training is also
to keep the data unless it is permitted by
possible to provide for the hydro geologists and
NRSC/ISRO.
GIS experts mapping in complex areas.

75
 GROUND WATER QUALITY MAPPING
Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM)

METHODOLOGY MANUAL

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation National Remote Sensing Centre

Govt. of India Indian Space Research Organisation
New Delhi - 110003 Dept. of Space, Govt. of India National Remote Sensing Centre
www.ddws.gov.in Hyderabad - 500037 Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation Indian Space Research Organisation
www.nrsc.gov.in nrsc Govt. of India Dept. of Space, Govt. of India