Physical and Bacteriological Characteristics of Drinking Water of Peshawar

Abstract

Ninety drinking water samples of fifteen each from three urban and three rural areas of Peshawar were collected and analyzed for their pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), turbidity, coliform and E. coli were determined for bacteriological assessment and its quality. In the urban area were Hayatabad, City and Sadder while from rural area Shikhmohamadi, Palosi and Jagra. Coliform and E. coli were by Most Probable Number (MPN) and Ejakman method respectively. pH, EC and turbidity mean value were 7.44±0.16, 0.64±0.08 μscm^-1, 0.88±0.77 FTU respectively. Total Coliform ranged from 0.00-150.00 with mean value of 37.79, while E. coli was present (+ve) in 26% sample and absent (-ve ) in 74% drinking water sample. All the physical parameters were in the safe limit recommended by WHO. Hence considered unfit for drinking purpose and it was concluded that the water from Peshawar region should be checked and monitored regularly in order to omit all possible sources of contamination or to reduce it.