Aquatic ecosystems exhibit dynamic ecological behaviour governed by physicochemical gradients that regulate productivity and biodiversity. The present investigation assessed water quality parameters and zooplankton assemblages across five freshwater habitats pond, well, river, lake, and reservoir in the Kalwan region of Nashik district, Maharashtra. Sampling was conducted monthly from January to June 2024 using standardized limnological protocols. Researchers evaluated temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand. Zooplankton samples were obtained using a 50 µm mesh net, preserved in formalin, and quantified using a Sedgwick–Rafter chamber. Community composition was dominated by Rotifera, followed by Cladocera, Copepoda, and Ostracoda. Total density varied markedly, ranging from 90 Ind/L in the well to 378 Ind/L in the reservoir. Elevated diversity and density in lentic systems indicate favourable ecological conditions supporting plankton proliferation.