Effect of Flood Event on Water Quality

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and climate change lead to a rise in the frequency of dangerous water-related happenings such as flood and drought. This causes a negative impact on the environment, economy and human health. Depending upon the local conditions and sanitation facilities of an area, the flood water can contaminate drinking water sources such as surface water, groundwater, and even the water distribution systems. The study was carried out to examine the impact of a flood event on water quality after 2015 flood in Kancheepuram district. Groundwater samples from Urapakkam, Guduvancheri, Kattankulathur, and Maraimalai Nagar were collected and tested for analyzing the quality of water in these regions. Different physio-chemical parameters were compared with the permissible limits formulated by the World Health Organization -Drinking water quality standards to assess the impact of the flood on water quality. During the flood, the quality of water was considerably good, but due to human activities in the region, the quality of water deteriorated post-flood.