Quality of tap drinking water in Kuwait: Physicochemical characteristics

Abstract

Adequate clean drinking water is essential for any community to sustain. Over the last two decades, Quality of drinking water in terms of physical, chemical and biological safety has come to focus of research efforts due to its effects on human health. As a result, various studies were conducted to assess the quality of drinking water all over the world. Kuwait experiences an extremely hot long summers with temperatures reach up to 50° and very low amounts of rainfall. Kuwait depends on sea water distillation to meet the rapidly increasing demand on drinking water. This study aims to assess the physicochemical parameters including the total dissolved solid (TDS), pH, electrical conductivity and sodium concentration of tap water in Kuwait. The outcomes of this study helps in evaluating the quality of centrally treated water in Kuwait. Samples were taken different residential areas covering all the six governorates in the state of Kuwait. All physicochemical parameters were found to be within the standard guidelines. Minor variations were found while comparing the values of pH, TDS, and electrical conductivity between tap and domestic bottled water. TDS levels in tap water samples increases about four its original value once they are produced in the distillation plant. Water supply authorities need to consider a periodical maintenance for the pipeline distribution network. They should also lead a strict monitoring system to assure that the physicochemical parameters of the centrally treated water are always with accordance to the standards guidelines.