Geospatial mapping of microbial contaminants and public health risks in Lahore’s municipal water

Abstract

Ensuring access to safe drinking water remains a significant public health challenge in developing countries. This study systematically investigates coliform contamination in Lahore’s municipal water supply, examining its public health implications, correlation with waterborne disease symptoms, and public perception of water quality. A systematic sampling approach was employed across 381 locations to assess water quality, with water samples analyzed for coliforms and Escherichia coli contamination. Coliform contamination was detected in several areas, including Chungi Amar Sidhu, Charar, Kirianwala, Kharas Mohalla, Shareefpura, Mustafaabad, and Kot Khawaja Saeed. To enhance data robustness, focused case studies with larger sample sizes were conducted in identified hotspots. The average coliform concentration and the percentage of affected households varied significantly across locations, with Shareefpura (3941.4 CFU/ml) and Mustafaabad (1668.2 CFU/ml) exhibiting the highest contamination levels. Mustafaabad also had the highest percentage of affected households (60.3%). Public perception of water quality varied significantly across areas, generally aligning with contamination levels. A Chi-Square Test for Independence showed a significant association between location and public perception (χ2 = 180.7, df = 20, P < 0.0001). Spearman’s Rank Correlation revealed a moderate negative correlation between contamination and perception scores, suggesting that sensory cues and historical knowledge influence perception. This study provides critical insights for public health interventions and urban water management policies, highlighting the need for systematic water quality monitoring, infrastructure upgrades, and community awareness programs to mitigate public health risks associated with microbial contamination in urbanizing regions.