Physical and microbiological analysis of drinking water of Oshikhandass village, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Background: This research was conducted in the rural Pakistani village of Oshikhandass in the Karakorum Mountains to evaluate the existing drinking water distribution system and water-borne diseases. The study identified typical sources of drinking water and, through physical and microbiological analysis, determined the level of pathogens presenting a public health hazard.

Objective: The objective was to collect specific physical and microbiological information on drinking water quality and educate users of the risk of water-borne diseases.

Methods: Over five months, 148 representative drinking water samples from heterogeneous sources were collected, including samples from uninhabited areas, inlets and outlets of two water reservoirs in the village, distribution sites of each water reservoir, household storage containers, water pits and water channels. Physical analysis comprised turbidity, temperature, pH and chlorine level analysis while microbiological analysis was conducted using Standard Plate Count Technique.

Results: Physiologically, parameters of pH and temperature were within the WHO guidelines whereas turbidity values and chlorine residues were beyond desirable limits. Microbiologically, the total colony counts/ml reflected an alarming health hazard. Additionally, seasonal fluctuations in the physical parameters and high incidences of thermo-tolerant E.coli were identified in drinking water.

Conclusion: Overall, the quality of drinking water does not meet WHO safety recommendations, likely due to fecal contamination and poor sanitation practices i.e. open defecation, lack of hygiene, use of traditional methods of drinking water storage and poor infrastructure. There is a critical need for improvement in the water supply system and enhancement of public awareness on waterborne diseases.