Assessment of Water Quality Using Nemerow Water Pollution Index (NWPI): A Case Study of Urban Slum

Bengani R

Abstract: Water quality assessment is crucial for monitoring and ensuring the safety of drinking water. This study employs the Nemerow Water Pollution Index (NWPI) to evaluate water quality at five locations during different seasons in an urban slum characterised by high population density and inadequate sanitation infrastructure. The NWPI is a comprehensive method that considers selected water parameters' maximum and average pollution indices. ANOVA was conducted to identify significant seasonal variations. Physicochemical parameters such as TDS, turbidity, conductivity, ORP, pH, DO, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, fluoride, and sulphate were analyzed. Results revealed that some of the sampling sites exhibited slight pollution (NPI > 1). The study emphasizes the urgent need for continuing monitoring, targeted policy interventions, and advanced action strategies to reduce water pollution, ensuring compliance with national and international.

Keywords: Drinking water, Pollution Index, Environmental Monitoring, Statistical Analysis, Slum