Evaluation of Physical, Chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water in Gatab Distribution Network

Physical, chemical and microbial properties of drinking water are the basis for judging its drinking potential. Undesirable changes in drinking water quality can threaten the health of consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Gatab city and compare it with national standards of Iran. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted based on random stratified sampling and approximately 10% of homes were selected as the statistical community. Approximately 15 samples of drinking water were collected from consumption points and transferred to the water and wastewater chemistry Lab for analysis. Physical, chemical and microbiological parameters were measured using standard methods for water and wastewater examinations. The mean values ​​of measured parameters were respectively turbidity (4.39 NTU), (PH = 7.41), electrical conductivity (744 μm/cm), total soluble solids (517 mg/L), fluoride (0.48 mg/l), nitrite (0.027 mg/l), iron (0.74 mg/l), sulfate (745 mg/l), manganese (0.17 mg/l) ) and chlorine residual (0.43 mg/l). Also, in 0.6% of the samples, fecal coliform and in 6% of them, the plate count of heterotrophic bacteria was positive. The physical, chemical and microbial quality of drinking water is suitable for the distribution network of Gatab. Increasing of the turbidity, iron and sulfate in water distribution system due to the taste, color, smell and turbidity in the drinking water.