A Survey of Physical, Chemical and Microbial Quality of Drinking Water in Ahvaz Compared to the Drinking Water Standards in Year 2016-2017

The physical, chemical and microbial properties of water are crucial criteria for its drinking suitablity. Unfavorable changes in these parameters may threat consumers’ health. The aim of this study was to give a clear view of physical, chemical and microbial quality of drinking water distribution network in Ahvaz compared to the national and WHO standards. This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted based on 48-week sampling program in Ahwaz water treatment plants No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as well as in six points in water distribution networks. Water analyses were implemented according to the standard methods. Nine tube of fermentation method was used to determine fecal and total coliform bacteria. The mean values of measured parameters were as follows: electrical conductivity 2282.5 μs/cm, turbidity 2.3 NTU, pH 7.8, alkalinity 144.8, hardness 535.5 mg/L as CaCO3, calcium 137.2, magnesium 46.3, chloride 473.2, sodium 311.2, residual chlorine 1, TDS 1382.7, fluoride 0.53, nitrate 6.7, sulphate 370.2 mg/L, total coliform (0) MPN/100 ml, and fecal coliform (0) MPN/100 ml. Accordingly, the quality of drinking water in Ahvaz was not problematical from the health point of view and except the EC, hardness, sodium, and sulphate, all cited results met the national and WHO standards.