Relationship of Drinking Water Quality with the Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Tehsil Haripur
Authors
ARSLAN ALI, ALIA NAZ, SADIA ALAM, WISAL SHAH, MISBAH KHALIL, SALMA KHALID and AISHA BIBI
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between drinking water quality and the prevalence of waterborne diseases in Tehsil Haripur, Pakistan. The physicochemical study of water samples from various sources revealed variances in parameters such as pH, turbidity, and bacterial contamination. Microbial investigation detected dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella typhi in drinking water sources, with tap water having the highest bacterial concentration. Regression analysis revealed a substantial relationship between waterborne disease patients and bacterial counts, highlighting the importance of microbial contamination in disease transmission. The findings highlight the critical need for enhanced water quality management and infrastructure in the region to reduce health hazards and ensure safe drinking water for all populations. Targeted interventions and long-term water management techniques are critical for preserving public health and fostering community well-being. Water is necessary for all life on Earth, and access to safe water is critical for human health. However, there is a wide inequality in availability to clean water. Waterborne infections are a concern to people of all ages. The purpose of this study is to identify waterborne disease hotspots in Tehsil Haripur and establish relationships with drinking water quality. Waterborne disease data were sourced from the district health officer of Haripur district, enabling the identification of disease hotspots based on the number of affected individuals. Subsequently, drinking water samples were collected from these hotspots, encompassing various sources such as open wells, boreholes, tap water, and tube wells. Comprehensive physicochemical analysis, including parameters such as pH, Electric Conductivity (EC), turbidity, and chloride (Cl-), was conducted on the collected samples. Additionally, biological analysis utilizing standard microbiological methods provided further insights into water quality and potential health risks associated with the presence of pathogens. The pH value of well water was the highest among all drinking water sources. Additionally, the highest EC value was observed in water samples collected from four studied sources in KTS. Similarly, well water samples collected from Mang had the highest turbidity, while those from Dingi had the highest chloride levels. Dominant bacteria in drinking water samples include E.coli, Shigella, Campylobacter, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae. A strong correlation between waterborne diseases and bacterial count in drinking water was observed (R2 values range 0.05-0.92). The study identified tap water as the most contaminated source among all studies drinking water sources. Therefore, it is recommended to use boiled water for drinking purposes.
Keywords: Waterborne Diseases, Drinking Water Quality, Physicochemical Analysis, Microbial Contamination, Health Risks, Sustainable Practices.
