Evaluation of Drinking Water Contamination in Vehari Region (Pakistan)

Abstract

Present studies were conducted to evaluate the quality of ground drinking water in Vehari city of Punjab, Pakistan. Water samples were subjected to physicochemical characterization for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), phosphatic compounds, oils and fats. The observed ranges of pH (7.3-7.7), phosphatic compounds (0.001-0.006 mg/L), oils and fats (<1) were found within the WHO limits. The values of electrical conductivity(896-1875μS), total dissolved solids (400-8000 mg/L), and total suspended solid (1200-2800mg/L) were exceeded by WHO limits in Muslim Town, TBZ Colony, Vehari Zoo, D- block, Stadium Road, 9-11 WB, Sharqi Colony, and Danewal areas of Vehari. The investigated groundwater of Tehsil Vehari was found to be unfit for human consumption, and a dire need was felt for removing pollutants from this water before its consumption for drinking purposes in Tehsil Vehari.