Source to tap water quality assessment in drinking water supply system in Oman

Abstract

Clean and safe drinking water is essential for any society’s development of long-term health and a developing economy. This study aims to evaluate the quality of drinking water in the water distribution system in Oman from source to tap. The study was conducted through in-depth interviews as well as designing of three surveys related to the main stakeholders of the water distribution system. In addition, several water samples were collected from different locations of the drinking water distribution system. All samples were tested for chemical, physical, and microbiological quality parameters. Results showed that the water distribution system needs more attention from the main stakeholder in terms of water quality monitoring and assessment. The results showed that the majority of parameters includes temperature, potential of hydrogen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved oxygen and inorganic substances were within the range and met the Oman standard for drinking water. The analysis of the different surveys and interviews revealed that some decisions are needed to improve the situation of desalination plants in terms of providing good services for desalination sector. In addition, the monitoring and assessment system for water distribution system includes water source, water delivery, and consumers’ water tanks need more attention in terms of hygienic and cleaning processes. Overall, this study concluded that the water supply system for drinking water in Oman is relatively acceptable but need more concern from stakeholders to improve the water distribution system to achieve better quality for consumers.