CHEMISTRY OF SPRINGWATER IN ALMORA, CENTRAL HIMALAYA, INDIA

A field study was conducted to assess variations in physico-chemical c haracteristics of water of the springs located within the boundary of a Central Himalayan town where the springwater is used for drinking pu rposes. Monitoring of 12 springs was carried out for three seasons (wi nter, summer and monsoon). The results indicate direct influence of un planned sewage disposal on the springwater quality as reflected by sig nificant regional variations in the concentration of nitrates, chlorid es, sulfates, sulfides and electrical conductivity. Population density varies within the town from 3110 to 14137 persons/km(-2) and has dire ct relationship with water quality. Springs located in the densely pop ulated area had higher concentrations of all these compounds. Concentr ations of nitrates up to 60 ppm were observed in some springs, making water unsuitable for human consumption. No significant changes were ob served in springwater quality during different seasons.