Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and its Impact on Residents Health in Bahawalpur City

Present study aimed to assess and compare the ground water quality with WHO standards and its related diseases in Bahawalpur city. Three sample areas Satellite town, Shahdrah and Islamic colony were chosen and two water samples have been taken from each area. Data collection based on the questionnaire and laboratory analysis of water samples. Certain physical and chemical parameters like total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, hardness, alkalinity (Alk) etc. was examined to find out quality of ground water. Findings reveal that groundwater quality in Bahawalpur is deteriorating. Situation was much worse in Islamic colony where 48%, 55% and 41% residents have diluted, brackish and water with slight smell respectively. Laboratory analysis of water parameters also disclosed the fact of significant contamination in ground water. EC, TDS, hardness, pH etc. were considerably high from WHO permissible limits. Such poor quality of water reasoned severe waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera etc. In Islamic colony, about 36% residents have been facing serious diseases. To save local residents study suggests; regular monitoring of water quality should be practiced; more water filtration plants should be installed by local govt. to provide safe drinking water etc.