Abstract The dramatic increase of different human activities around the surface water system.The assessment of surface water suitability for drinking purpose is needed for water sustainability. The Water Quality Index (WQI) is an approach to identify and assess the drinking water quality suitability. Water crises and quality are serious concerns in a lot of countries, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is widespread and water quality assessment has received minimal attention. So, it is important to assess the quality of water to be used, especially for drinking purposes. In this study, Water Quality Index (WQI) of Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh was analyzed with the help of ten physicochemical parameters such as Alkalinity, Calcium, Chloride, Electrical Conductivity, Magnesium, Nitrate, pH, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solid, Total Hardness to know the suitability for drinking purpose during pre and post monsoon seasons of the year 2022.The value of Calcium and Total Dissolved Solid which exceeded the permissible limit during pre monsoon seasons and during post monsoon season are average. The calculated Water Quality Index values are 81.149 during pre monsoon season and 73.811 during post monsoon season. This water quality rating study clearly shows that, the status of the water body is not suitable for drinking.
Keywords Assessment, Crises, Drinking, Human activities, Sustainability.