Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Contamination in Drinking Water and Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Hazar Khwani UC-1, Peshawar

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water is vital for human health and sustainable development. This study evaluated the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Hazar Khwani UC-1, Peshawar, and assessed potential health risks. Thirty household water samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, and chloride, along with microbial indicators including total plate count (TPC), total coliforms, and fecal coliforms, following APHA standard methods. Results showed EC ranged from 812 to 1250 µS/cm, with 60% of samples exceeding the WHO limit of 1000 µS/cm. Total alkalinity (670–1010 mg/L) exceeded permissible limits (500 mg/L) in all samples. Total hardness (325–595 mg/L) surpassed the 500 mg/L limit in 40% of samples, while calcium (120–240 mg/L) and chloride (170–310 mg/L) exceeded WHO and NEQS guidelines in 36% and 43% of samples, respectively. Microbiological analysis revealed total coliforms in 43% of samples and fecal coliforms in 20%, indicating fecal contamination. A household survey indicated frequent waterborne illnesses, especially among children and the elderly. The findings highlight the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, regular monitoring, disinfection practices, and community awareness programs to reduce contamination risks and safeguard public health.