Assessment of Drinking Water Quality: A Case Study in Rajshahi District, Bangladesh

Abstract

Ever growing population along with increasing development activities lead to exploitation and pollution of water supplies accessible to us. As a consequence, water quality indexes are imposed as a global issue in order to determine its suitability for distinct uses as well as to establish prime strategies for the optimal use of water resources. Any failure to ensure safe potable drinking water with efficient purification system will make the community prone to water-borne outbreaks together with detrimental health conditions. This study primarily focuses on the suitability of drinking water quality in Rajshahi district. The physico-chemical parameters, i.e. pH, turbidity, electric conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, chloride, alkalinity, iron content, manganese, nitrate-nitrogen for four upazila’s were tested and compared with the Bangladesh standards along with WHO guidelines. The study results showed that, the quality of the water in the selected study locations is perfect for use in agricultural, commercial or domestic applications without any prior concern. However, manganese level was found above standard level in selected study areas, hence considered to be 'unfit' for drinking purposes without proper treatment. This research evaluates the current status of drinking water quality in Rajshahi district to put emphasis on effective purification, disinfection and systematic monitoring services for keeping the contamination of water under control.