Abstract:
A bold approach is needed to tackle the issues of drinking water quality across the developing world. The position of Pakistan in this matter is poor because of lack of maintenance and proper check-up of drinking water sources. Surface water and tube wells are the two main sources of drinking water supply for the people of Islamabad. This study is mainly focused on the analysis of biological and physicochemical parameters as well as heavy metals concentration of two sectors of Islamabad by using analytical methods employed by American Public Health Association (APHA). Sampling was before and after monsoon, the study shows that the water is fit in counts of biological parameters. pH, EC, K, Cl and F has shown an increasing trend while Na and Mg has shown a decreasing trend in post-monsoon samples. K was found beyond the limit in most of the samples while F were found above the WHO standard in few samples, the rest of the physicochemical parameters were found fit. Among heavy metals, Cd and Pb were found beyond the standard in most of the samples. The concentration of heavy metals after monsoon has been decreased unlike physicochemical parameters. The performance of filtration plants were found less problematic as compare to tube wells. There were negligible difference between surface and ground water samples. Regulatory authorities are subject to monitor the quality and quantity of drinking water of the country. Providing safe drinking water to all the citizens of Pakistan should be the part of the manifestos of all political parties. Water as a separate subject should be initiated in the earth and environmental sciences departments of all universities across the country. The media should play a pivotal role in highlighting the issues of safe drinking water.
