Evaluation of Selected Physicochemical Parameters to Assess Quality Status of Drinking Water in Delhi, India

Abstract

Water is one of the most vital and critical natural resources on the planet that all living organisms require for survival. Unfortunately, there is a continuous decline in potable water quality due to the population burden on water resources, industrial and agricultural interference. Consumption of impure water is impacting the survival rate and it is important to develop strategies for sustainable management of water as this crucial resource is a vehicle for many deadly diseases, if remain untreated. Therefore, it is essential to generate awareness regarding the source and quality of drinking water to avoid any health risk. The present pilot study was undertaken to determine the quality of drinking water (ground/ handpump/ submersible water-14 samples and MCD/ NDMC supplied tap water-17 samples) from various zones of Delhi (North, East, West, South & Central) for human consumption. The 31 water samples were tested for selected physical (Colour, Turbidity, Odour, Taste and TDS) and chemical parameters (pH, DO, free CO2, alkalinity, chloride ion concentration, and total hardness) using standard titrimetric procedures. Some samples had high levels of various parameters, indicating a decrease in primary and secondary standard of potable water. It is mandatory to do necessary analysis before consuming the water from any resource for any purpose at regular intervals and offer sustainable and resource efficient water solutions.