WATER QUALITY INDEX

In this study, the weighted arithmetic mean method for WQI is used.

Water quality index by weighted arithmetic mean method WQI A can be found out by the

following formula:
n
WQI A=∑ qi ×W i
i =1

∑ W i=1
i=1

Where, Wi is the unit weight of each parameter, qi is the 0–100 sub-index rating for each

variable and n is the number of sub-indices aggregated.

4.4 METHODOLOGY FOR FORMING WATER QUALITY INDEX

The Water Quality Index model developed in the present study consists of the following steps:

1. Selection of parameters for the calculation of WQI

2. Determination of sub index value (q n)

3. Determination of weightage of the parameters ( W i )

4. Calculation of WQI

4.4.1 Selection of parameters for measurement of water quality

The evidence of variation in the water quality analysis from different roofing collection systems is
considered as a basis

of selecting the water quality parameters viz. pH, Turbidity, Acidity, Alkalinity, TDS, Hardness, DO, BOD,
COD and Sulphate as significant indicator parameters of surface water quality in the present study. The

concentrations ranges of these parameters in the given classes are defined with due

consideration of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India standards/criteria and

Indian Standards (IS) 10500. For parameters and classes not included in the CPCB standards,

reference was made to the standards defined by other agencies. The basis for selecting the

concentration levels for each of the parameters under consideration in the above classes is

detailed below.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, ADSORBS/ 3/78–79), has given pH range 6.5–8.5

for classes A, B, D, and E. and 6–9 for class C. Considering the similar classification for pH

for this study, pH ranges for classes 1–5 are allotted in increasing or decreasing geometric

progression. Dissolved oxygen (DO). The maximum concentration of oxygen that can

dissolve in water is the function of water temperature, and therefore may vary from place to

place and time to time. In India average tropical temperature is 27ºC. The corresponding

average DO saturation concentration reported is 8 mg/l. Central Pollution Control Board

(CPCB, ADSORBS/3/ 78–79), has defined DO values 6, 5, 4,and 4 mg/l for classes A, B, C,

and D, respectively. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) needed
(i.e. demanded) by aerobic biological organisms to break down organic material present in a given water
sample at certain temperature over a specific time period. As per CPCB, the permissible value of BOD to
be presented in a given sample Is 1mg/l. Turbidity is the measure of relative clarity of a liquid. It
is an optical characteristic of water and is a measurement of the amount of light that is scattered
by material in the water when a light is shined through the water sample. Turbidity is caused by
particles suspended or dissolved in water that scatter light making the water appear cloudy or murky.

The acceptable limit of Turbidity in drinking water for a given sample is 5 NTU.

4.4.2 Estimating the unit weight of each indicator parameter

Estimating the unit weight of each indicator parameter (Wi) by considering the weightage of

each parameter. Weighing means the relative importance of each water quality parameter that

play some significant role in overall water quality and it depends on the permissible limit in

drinking water set by National and International agencies viz., WHO, IS-10500, etc. Those

parameters, which have low permissible limits and can influence the water quality to a large

extent even fluctuate a little, allocate high weighing while parameter having high permissible

limit and are less harmful to the water quality allocate low weighing. Weightage of parameter

is inversely proportional to its permissible limits

PARAMETE
R Wi = K/Sn
pH 0.0801
Turbidity 0.1362
Acidity 0.0034
Alkalinity 0.0034
TDS 0.0014
Hardness 0.0034
DO 0.0851
BOD 0.6809
COD 0.0027
Sulphate 0.0034

Table 4.3: Water quality parameters and their assigned unit weights for Sample 1: Ceramic (Tank)

The unit weight (Wi) of each parameter is proportional to the weightage of each parameter.

Wi is the unit weight of the parameter. The unit weight of each parameter calculated is

shown in Table 4.3.

4.4.3 Determination of the Sub-index value

V n−V i
q n= × 100
Sn −V i
Where Sn – Standard value

Vi – Ideal value

Vn – Actual value

The standard and ideal values are idealized based on the conditions of particular areas. The

values prescribed by the CPCB for the locality that we have selected are given in Table 4.4.

Table 4.5 shows the scale which will be the basis for representing the water quality using

water quality index