Monitoring Of Drinking Water Quality From The Residential Area Of Islamabad

Abstract

The project “Monitoring of drinking water quality from residential area of Islamabad” was carried out from June 2010 till August 2010 to attempt recent monitoring of the drinking water supply system of selected areas of Islamabad, keeping in view the recent National and International quality standards available on the subject. Samples were collected from different CDA tube wells installed in the F7, F8, F9 and F10 areas. A standard method for sample collection was followed and, in each case, three different plastic bottles were used for bacteriological, physical and chemical parameters. These samples were then analyzed following reliable analytical procedures available in ASTM standards and as adopted by PCRWR and NIH institutions. The analytical data has been compiled. Results of all the parameters have been individually depicted in different figures and have been discussed keeping in view the area monitored and the requirements of the applicable standards. Almost half of the samples were found to be contaminated with respect to the coliform and fecal coliform bacteria, making it unsuitable for drinking. However, detailed studies should be conducted to know the cause of bacteriological contamination. The results regarding the physical and chemical parameters were found within the recommended national and international guidelines for drinking water. It is further recommended to undertake such further studies over a wider area in order to elucidate the relationship between the underground hydrology and parameters important with respect to the water quality.