Change in drinking water quality from catchment to consumers: a case study

Abstract

The study was conducted on the status of water supply at Indore through SDWQ. The performance of the Narmada and Devdharan WTPs was assessed from catchment to consumer for consecutive 7 days during three seasons. No significant change in raw water quality was observed on day-to-day basis. During monsoon, the turbidity of raw water was 690–1530 NTU which was reduced to 0.3–3.7 NTU after treatment. TC and FC were not detected in filtered water. The treated water quality was found within CPHEEO guidelines. At ESR, the residual chlorine was 0.1–0.6 mg/l. During winter, the water from ESR and from consumer ends was free from FC, whereas TC counts at consumer ends were 7–607 CFU/100 ml. During summer, on one occasion, TC and FC counts were found in ESR, whereas at the consumer ends, most of the samples were positive for TC and FC. The variation in bacterial counts amongst the different service reservoirs and consumer ends was due to poor maintenance of ESRs and enroute contamination. The proper maintenance of the distribution network, awareness about the hygienic and sanitary conditions around the public taps and proper storage of water are prerequisites in maintaining safe water supply in the city.