Physico-chemical characteristics play a very important role in determining the potability of drinking water. Quality of drinking water used in rural areas of Ujjain was assessed by determining various physico-chemical characteristics of ground water. Bacterial contamination in ground water is assessed by using H2S strip test. Temperature and pH were within the permissible limit but chloride value of 16 samples (out of 27 samples) crossed the maximum permissible limit (200-300mg/L). Total hardness values of 12 samples were reported beyond the permissible limit. Turbidity value of kamed hand pump water sample was 13.1NTU which is higher than the standard of drinking water quality. H2S strip test were found to be positive in 13 samples in which maximum contamination were reported in well samples.