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Although flooding hit the entire part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu some 3 years ago, the quality of water is still found to be worse because of major inundation in these areas. The current inspection deals with the physico-chemical analysis of the groundwater samples collected from 10 locations in Neelangarai and Triplicane areas in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and assessed using the Heber Water Quality Index (HWQI) in the post-tsunami circumstances. The factors examined were pH, fecal coliform, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and turbidity. In addition to these parameters, pointers like electrical conductivity and salinity were also taken into consideration. The overall HWQI outcomes for all the trials in the Neelangarai area were determined between 65.02 and 72.25 and the Triplicane area was 66.64–70.71, which suggests that all the samples are medium to good in quality and could be used for human consumption. HIGHLIGHTS The present study was carried out to check the quality of groundwater along the coastal areas of Chennai which has proved beyond doubt that these waters taken from tsunami-affected areas are drinkable unless they are treated well.; The analysis of groundwater quality of water samples of these areas needs some degree of treatment for high salinity before consumption.;

The study of changes in ground water quality on the east coast of chennai due to the December 26, 2004 tsunami and other subsequent disturbances is a matter of great concern. The post-Tsunami has caused considerable plant, animal, material and ecological changes in the entire stretch of chennai coastal area. Being very close to sea and frequently subjected to coastal erosion, water quality has been a concern in this coastal strip, and especially after the recent tsunami this strip seems to be more vulnerable. In the present investigation, ten ground water samples were collected from various parts of south chennai coastal area. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Dissolved oxygen (DO), total solids; turbidity and fecal coliform were analyzed. The overall Water quality index (WQI) values for all the samples were found to be in the range of 68.81-74.38 which reveals a fact that the quality of all the samples is only medium to good and could be used for drinking and other domestic uses only after proper treatment. The long term adverse impacts of tsunami on ground water quality of coastal areas and the relationships that exist and among various parameters are carefully analyzed. Local residents and corporation authorities have been made aware of the quality of their drinking water and the methods to conserve the water bodies., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)