Bacteriological quality assessment of water supply schemes (WSS) of Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan

This study investigated physico-chemical and bacteriological contamination in drinking water samples of Mianwali which involves assessment of 115 water supply schemes (WSS) along with determination of drinking water sources which have contributed significantly towards increasing bacteriological contamination (either ground or tap water source). For this purpose, one sample was collected from ground water; while, two samples were collected from tap water source of each scheme. Rapid Microbiological Testing Kit Method was used to test bacteriological contamination in drinking water samples. Results showed that 71% of the WSS were bacteriologically contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria, thus making overall water quality not suitable for drinking purposes. Water storage tanks used to supply water in 30% of WSS, have also contributed significantly (45%) in exceeding bacteriological contamination. Moreover, results showed that water quality obtained from tap water sources (71%) was more bacteriologically contaminated than ground water sources (41%) obtained from each WSS. Thus, WSS of Mianwali was not regarded safe because they are responsible for 30% bacteriological contamination in water samples. Hence, this study is just in time for the authorities to act immediately, as drinking water quality of Mianwali is gradually getting deteriorated.