Analysis of potable ground water to find probable cause of prevailing water borne diseases in district Toba Tak Singh (P-0776) (MFN 3975)

Abstract

Water is one of the most important natural resource available to mankind by nature. Around 79% of the earth surface is covered with water. Unfortunately only 3% of this is in usable form. Fresh water is used for drinking as well as domestic purposes. Since water comes in close contact with every human being. Maintaining its hygiene is an important task. Current study has been carried out at Aroty, district Toba Tak Singh Pakistan, to asses quality of ground water as drinking water. The purpose of study was to determine either underground water is the source of water born diseases. Water samples were collected from various points where people were dumping water in the septic tanks and on the other hand they were pumping ground water through hand pumps and motor pumps. Standards of WHO and PSQCA were followed for sampling. Total seven samples were collected and tested for various physical, chemical and biological parameters. Parameters like appearance, taste, calcium , magnesium concentration, chlorides, nitrates concentration, electrical conductivity , turbidity, total hardness and TDS, total bacteria, Coliform , fecal bacteria were measured and analyzed at CDA laboratory for water analysis, G- 10 Islamabad, Pakistan. Out of 7 samples, 5 samples were characterized as contaminated and unfit for drinking purposes. The study recommended that further research on nearby septic tanks should be carried out to pin point the source of contamination.