Investigation of Physicochemical and Microbial Parameters of Drinking Water Supply Sources in Villages of Saqqez, Iran

Article Notes: Received: May 05, 2020 Received in revised form: Aug 19, 2020 Accepted: Aug 19, 2020 Available Online: Sep 23, 2020 Background & Aims of the Study: Providing safe drinking water is one of the most important goals in human societies. It is clear that people's health depends on the provision of favorable drinking water. This study examined the physicochemical and microbial parameters of drinking water resources in the villages of Saqqez, Iran, within 3 months in 2018. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 24 sources of drinking water supply (i.e., wells and springs) in the villages covered by rural water and sewage in Saqqez within 3 months in 2018. The cultivation of the samples was performed by the most probable number (MPN) technique to evaluate the number of total coliforms and fecal coliforms. Chemical experiments were conducted based on titration, and physical experiments were performed through analytical methods. Finally, SPSS statistical software (version 20) was used for the statistical analysis of the results. Results: The obtained results of the present study showed that the parameters of turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were within the range of the national and international standards. In addition, the total hardness parameter in 100% of the samples was within the range of national standards; however, it was within the standard range of the World Health Organization in 87.5% of the samples. The levels of total coliforms and fecal coliforms were reported within the range of the national and international standards in 66.67% and 85.82% of the samples, respectively. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the parameters, including turbidity, EC, chlorine, pH, and TDS, were in accordance with the national and international standards. Moreover, the levels of total and fecal coliforms were within the range of the national and international standards in 66.67% and 85.82% of the samples, respectively. The maximum values of total coliforms and fecal coliforms were within the range of 6-9 MPN per 100 mL, respectively. These low values can be eliminated with simple chlorination.