Abstract:
Water is an essential part of the ecosystem that supports life on the earth since it
contains essential elements for human health. Studies of the water's constituents are
essential to obtaining a precise picture of the water quality. Hence, 31 samples were
taken from the drinking water distribution system of Dharan in 2022 for evaluating the
physicochemical and microbiological quality of drinking water being distributed across
the sub-metropolitan city. Though public knowledge and adequate management of
watershed and reservoir premises were insufficient, the physicochemical characteristics
were determined to be within the World Health Organization (WHO) and National
Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) for drinking water with temperature
ranging from 23.6°C to 25.6°C, pH 7.7 to 8.5, conductivity 38.2 to 38.7µmho/cm, DO
49.54 to 58.39 mg/l, BOD 2.61 to 5.22 mg/l, chloride 29.82 to 34.08 mg/l, nitrite 10
ppm and ammonia <0.5 ppm. However, the coliform bacteria levels were significant,
with the highest TCC being 137 cfu/100ml, highest FCC being 85 cfu/100ml and
highest TPC being TMTC. The water was found to be unsafe to drink without intensive
disinfection treatments. It may be necessary to carry out treatment procedures like
chlorination as advised by WHO as soon as possible while also taking in account the
proper application of filtration techniques for distributing safe drinking water to the
residents of Dharan.
