Evaluation of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Drinking Water in Higher Educational Institutions in Islamabad

Abstract

Water is one of the necessities and is used for various purposes, from human consumption to industrial use. Over 70% of the Earth’s surface comprises water, less than 1% of which is available as freshwater. Approximately more than one billion people lack safe drinking water worldwide. This paper studies the physical and chemical contamination in potable water of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Islamabad for the extraction of their influence on water quality. For this purpose, water samples were collected from 18 different Institutions in the city. Samples were analyzed for various parameters, including the temperature recorded by the ordinary thermometer, taste, color, and odor detected by six senses, the value of pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) with the help of pH meter, and TDS meter, turbidity by using nephelometer, total hardness, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO) by the titration method. This qualitative analysis strategy adopted to undertake this research has provided valuable data and information. For all the samples, the degree of temperature and measure of color, taste, and odor were unobjectionable. The amount of turbidity, alkalinity, and hardness were satisfactory. The pH also lies within the permissible ranges set by PS: 1932-2010, WHO and IS: (10500-2004) standards. The amount of TDS and DO was also between excellent and fair ranges. The research concluded that all samples' water quality was fit and can be utilized for drinking purposes in HEIs without any reluctance or second thoughts. The results of this study can enhance the understanding of safe drinking water quality in Islamabad. The adopted methodology and the obtained results can be replicated in other cities of Pakistan where considerable issues of potable water contamination are rising, and resource availability is limited.