Mineralization and Hardness Characteristics of Borewell Water in Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan, India: Implications for Domestic Suitability
Author(s): Nidhi, Dr. Rahna yadav
Publication #: 2608003
Date of Publication: 01.07.2026
Country: India
Pages: 1-10
Published In: Volume 12 Issue 4 July-2026
Abstract
Groundwater mineralization and hardness are important determinants of domestic water suitability, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where borewell water is widely used. The present study evaluated the mineralization and hardness characteristics of selected borewell water samples collected from rural and urban areas of Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, India. Twelve borewell water samples, consisting of six rural and six urban samples, were analysed internally during February 2026 for selected physicochemical and chemical parameters. The present paper focuses on total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, chloride, sulphate and fluoride. Analytical results were interpreted with reference to BIS IS 10500:2012 drinking-water limits wherever applicable, while EC was used as a supportive mineralization indicator. TDS values ranged from 440 to 1470 mg/L, and total hardness ranged from 140 to 390 mg/L as CaCO₃. Except one sample, all samples exceeded the acceptable limit for both TDS and total hardness, although all remained within permissible limits. Urban samples showed higher mean TDS (1106.67 mg/L), EC (1761.67 µS/cm), hardness (321.67 mg/L), alkalinity (248.33 mg/L), chloride (151.67 mg/L), sulphate (125.00 mg/L) and fluoride (0.90 mg/L) than rural samples. A strong positive correlation between TDS and EC (r = 0.99) confirmed that dissolved ions controlled the mineralization pattern. The results indicate that selected borewell water samples are mainly affected by dissolved mineral load and hardness, with implications for taste, scaling, appliance life and treatment requirement. Regular monitoring and household-level treatment are recommended in locations showing high TDS and very hard water.
Keywords: borewell water; mineralization; total dissolved solids; hardness; alkalinity; groundwater; Hanumangarh; domestic suitability.
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