After mapping the springs within the Chandragiri Municipality, the water samples from 19 sites were collected and tested with physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Table 2 shows the descriptive results of the different analyzed water quality parameters. The result showed that the temperature of the water sample ranged from 17.3 to 21.8 °C with a mean value of 19.25 °C. Generally, the temperature does not have any guideline value, however, the obtained value should be within the acceptable limit. Cool water is more potable and preferred by people. High water temperature enhances the growth of microorganisms and leads to the spreading of the chemical reaction in water, reduces the solubility of gas, and amplifies the taste and odor (Talaiekhozani et al., 2016). pH is one of the most influencing parameters of a chemical reaction within the water (Sharma et al., 2013). pH indicates the acidic or basic nature of water. In this study, the pH of the spring water varies from 6.9 to 7.4 with a mean value of 7.18, which indicates the water is neutral to slightly alkaline. The drinking water quality standard for pH in Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS) is in the range of 6.5–8.5. All the spring water has a pH value within the standard provided by NDWQS.
Descriptive statistics of spring water quality.
| Parameters . | Minimum . | Maximum . | Mean . | Standard Deviation . | NDWQS . |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.18 | 0.15 | 6.5–8.5 |
| TDS (ppm) | 73 | 359 | 170.74 | 78.74 | 1,000 |
| EC (μs/cm) | 145 | 718 | 345.00 | 157.68 | 1,500 |
| Temperature (°C) | 17.3 | 21.8 | 19.25 | 1.28 | |
| Alkalinity (mg/L) | 10 | 75 | 38.47 | 18.05 | |
| Total hardness (mg/L) | 50 | 318 | 165.26 | 67.92 | 500 |
| Calcium hardness (mg/L) | 29.6 | 137.87 | 71.01 | 30.75 | |
| Magnesium hardness (mg/L) | 2.76 | 40.35 | 21.18 | 10.00 | |
| Chloride (mg/L) | 14.2 | 183.18 | 51.72 | 41.17 | 250 |
| Free CO2 (mg/L) | 13.2 | 35.2 | 20.15 | 5.94 | |
| Ammonia (mg/L) | 0.24 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.01 | 1.5 |
| Phosphorus (mg/L) | 0.0029 | 0.32 | 0.18 | 0.09 | |
| Nitrate (mg/L) | 0.04 | 28.5 | 4.32 | 6.66 | 50 |
| DO (mg/L) | 3.21 | 7.69 | 6.22 | 1.41 | |
| Total coliform | 7 | 132 | 50.86 | 33.29 | 0 |
| Parameters . | Minimum . | Maximum . | Mean . | Standard Deviation . | NDWQS . |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.18 | 0.15 | 6.5–8.5 |
| TDS (ppm) | 73 | 359 | 170.74 | 78.74 | 1,000 |
| EC (μs/cm) | 145 | 718 | 345.00 | 157.68 | 1,500 |
| Temperature (°C) | 17.3 | 21.8 | 19.25 | 1.28 | |
| Alkalinity (mg/L) | 10 | 75 | 38.47 | 18.05 | |
| Total hardness (mg/L) | 50 | 318 | 165.26 | 67.92 | 500 |
| Calcium hardness (mg/L) | 29.6 | 137.87 | 71.01 | 30.75 | |
| Magnesium hardness (mg/L) | 2.76 | 40.35 | 21.18 | 10.00 | |
| Chloride (mg/L) | 14.2 | 183.18 | 51.72 | 41.17 | 250 |
| Free CO2 (mg/L) | 13.2 | 35.2 | 20.15 | 5.94 | |
| Ammonia (mg/L) | 0.24 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.01 | 1.5 |
| Phosphorus (mg/L) | 0.0029 | 0.32 | 0.18 | 0.09 | |
| Nitrate (mg/L) | 0.04 | 28.5 | 4.32 | 6.66 | 50 |
| DO (mg/L) | 3.21 | 7.69 | 6.22 | 1.41 | |
| Total coliform | 7 | 132 | 50.86 | 33.29 | 0 |