Assessment Of Physiochemical Parameters And Biological Contamination In Drinking Water In Danish Abad Peshawar

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water is critical for public health. This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Danish Abad, a major township within Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, against World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Thirty (30) water samples were collected using standard protocols and analyzed at the Environmental Science Laboratory, University of Peshawar. Mean physicochemical values were: pH 6.8 (WHO limit: 6.5–8.5), electrical conductivity 968 µS/cm (WHO limit: ≤1500 µS/cm), total hardness 612 mg/L (WHO limit: ≤500 mg/L), calcium 164 mg/L (WHO limit: ≤200 mg/L), magnesium 448 mg/L (WHO limit: ≤100 mg/L), total alkalinity 1010 mg/L (WHO limit: ≤1000 mg/L), and chloride 84 mg/L (WHO limit: ≤250 mg/L). Total hardness and magnesium concentrations exceeded WHO permissible limits, while calcium, chloride, pH, and EC remained within guidelines. Alkalinity approached the threshold limit. Bacteriological analysis indicated severe contamination: total coliforms were detected in 50% (n=15) of samples, and fecal coliforms were present in all samples (n=30), substantially exceeding WHO safety standards (absence per 100 mL). These results demonstrate significant contamination of Danish Abad's drinking water supply, posing serious public health risks. The pervasive fecal coliform presence strongly suggests sewage ingress, likely due to compromised distribution infrastructure or inadequate treatment. Urgent interventions including enhanced water treatment, rigorous monitoring, and infrastructure rehabilitation are essential to ensure water safety and protect community health.