Abstract <p>This study investigates the groundwater hydrochemistry and its quality in Dhangadhi, the capital city and a rapidly urbanizing area in the Far-western Province of Nepal, through a well inventory and water quality assessment using water quality index (WQI). A total of 50 samples comprising 29 shallow sources and 21 deep sources (hand pumps and spring line sources) were sampled to analyze major ions, turbidity, iron, arsenic, and ammonia levels in dry seasons of April of 2024. The shallow groundwater sources with a maximum depth of 15 m show the higher concentrations of each parameter than the deep sources. The ranges of WQI are from 1.98 to 446.70, categorizing 38% of samples as excellent, 20% good, and 30% unfit for human consumption, while most parameters meet the National Drinking Water Quality Standards limits, notable exceptions with high concentration include bicarbonate, turbidity, phosphate, arsenic, ammonia, and magnesium. The shallow and deep groundwater sources are calcium-magnesium bicarbonate type. Sodium Adsorption Ratio ranges from 1.76 to 6.91, suggesting its suitability for agriculture uses. Groundwater serves multiple purposes: 36% for drinking, 38% household use, 10% irrigation, and remaining for others uses. The Rajpur and Dhangadhi Bazaar area that is in the southern part of study area has permeable sand and gravel layers of groundwater bearing strata but overexploitation and industrial pollution of groundwater in these areas has threatened a long term-term water security of region, especially groundwater resources of the area require a proper management strategy for sustainable uses.</p>