Water Safety Research Articles

Role of Formal Education in Understanding Contamination-Related Illnesses: A Study with Maasai Adolescents and Adults in Tanzania

Background Health knowledge of younger generations in rural developing areas may be changed through formal education. For example, young people learn concepts in school that aid them in understanding the causes and spread of illness. This study compares knowledge about illness, germs, and water contamination among adolescents and 23 adults living in a rural Maasai community in Tanzania. It also examines whether adolescents share what they have learned about these concepts with community and family members outside of school. Methods Participants included 40 adolescents in secondary school and 23 adults with little to no schooling. A survey was created and used with both age groups. Data were collected using a translator at a school for adolescents and in the village for adults. Results Findings revealed much similarity in participants’ knowledge of stomach illness and water safety, but adolescents had more knowledge of the biological processes of illness, especially in relation to how germs function. Adolescents reported sharing what they learn in school about health with people at home, both children and adults. Implications for health education in similar communities are discussed.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Groundwater Based on Multi-Pathway Analysis

The rapid development of the global chemical industry has led to widespread groundwater contamination, with frequent pollution incidents posing severe threats to water safety. However, there has been insufficient assessment of the health risks posed by chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination in groundwater around chemical industrial parks. This study evaluates the chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination in groundwater at a chemical park and conducts a multi-pathway health risk assessment, identifying the key risk pollutants. In addition, sensitivity analysis of the primary exposure pathways was performed using the Monte Carlo method. The results indicate severe exceedance of pollutant concentrations with widespread diffusion. Carcinogenic risks were mainly driven by vinyl chloride, whose oral cancer slope factor was significantly higher than that of other substances, while non-carcinogenic risks were dominated by trichloro-ethylene, which had the lowest reference dose. Both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks through the drinking water pathway accounted for approximately 90% of the total risk, whereas the risk contribution from dermal contact was negligible. Although boiling water can partially reduce the risks, its effect on high-concentration pollutants is limited. Additionally, sensitivity analysis showed that pollutant concentration was the primary influencing factor for risk values, followed by exposure duration. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for effectively formulating pollution control measures and ensuring the drinking water safety of nearby residents.

Exploring the Microbial Ecology of Water in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Potential of Bacteriophages in Water Quality Monitoring and Treatment to Improve Its Safety

Access to safe water and food is a critical issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where microbial contamination poses significant health risks. Conventional water treatment and food preservation methods have limitations in addressing water safety, particularly for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms. This review explores the potential application of bacteriophages as an innovative solution for water treatment and food preservation in the region. Bacteriophages specifically infect bacteria and offer a targeted approach to reducing bacterial load, including multidrug-resistant strains, without the drawbacks of chemical disinfectants. This review highlights the advantages of phage bioremediation, including its specificity, adaptability, and minimal environmental impact. It also discusses various case studies demonstrating its efficacy in different water systems. Additionally, we underscore the need for further research and the development of region-specific phage applications to improve water quality and public health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. By integrating bacteriophage-based strategies, water treatment processes, food production, and preservation can be enhanced to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance and contribute to the global effort to secure safe water for all.

Protecting the Safe Water Chain in Refugee Camps: An Exploratory Study of Water Handling Practices, Chlorine Decay, and Household Water Safety in South Sudan, Jordan, and Rwanda.

In refugee and internally displaced person settlements, hygienic water handling and free residual chlorine (FRC) are crucial for protecting water against recontamination after distribution up to the household point-of-consumption. We conducted a secondary analysis of water quality and water handling data collected in refugee camps in South Sudan, Jordan, and Rwanda using statistical and process-based modeling to explore how water handling practices affect FRC decay and household FRC outcomes. The two practices that consistently produced a significant effect on FRC decay and household FRC were storing water in direct sunlight and transferring water between containers during household storage. Samples stored in direct sunlight had 0.22-0.31 mg/L lower household FRC and had FRC decay rates between 2 and 3.7 times higher than samples stored in the shade, and samples that were transferred between containers had 0.031-0.51 mg/L lower household FRC and decay rates 1.65-3 times higher than non-transferred samples in sites in which the effect was significant, suggesting that humanitarian responders should aim to provide additional water storage containers to prevent water transferring in households and encourage water-users not to store water in direct sunlight. By contrast, the effect of the three recommended hygienic water handling behaviors (clean, covered containers and drawing by tap or pouring) was mixed or inconclusive. These inconclusive results were likely due to imbalanced or unreliable approaches to gathering the data, and we recommend that hygienic water handling practices that mechanistically provide a physical barrier against recontamination should always be promoted in humanitarian settings.

New imidazole sensors synthesized for copper (II) detection in aqueous solutions

Water security, safety, availability and sustainability of water supply are increasingly problematic and difficult across the planet. Safe and rapid methods have been developed to purify water from cationic pollutants. New imidazole-derived fluorescent sensors, 2-(4,5-diphenyl-1-(p-tolyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl) phenol (TS) and 2-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl) phenol (AS), have been synthesized and characterized, and their possibility as fluorescence sensors for copper (II) has been examined. In CH3CN/H2O (90 v/v), the TS and AS revealed a noticeable an electronic band at 320.00 nm and fluorescence band at 460.90 nm. The ratio metric alterations in the absorption and fluorescence spectra of TS and AS due to the dative covalent bond between them and the copper (II) were shown by the findings of copper (II) titration. The sensing mechanism was validated by optical investigations and FT-IR spectra. In mixed solvent solutions, the selectivity of TS and AS to copper (II) as fluorescent sensors has been demonstrated, with sensitivity as low as 0.09 and 0.28 µM, significantly less than the limit permitted via the US EPA for drinking water (2.00 µM). The identification limits of TS and AS were assessed to be 0.05 and 0.50 µM, respectively, using the spectrophotometric procedure. Stoichiometry binding between TS and AS with copper (II) was found to be 2:1 (tetrahedral structure) as indicated by Job's method.

Molecular insight into algae-derived dissolved organic matters via Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry: Effects of pretreatment methods and electrospray ionization modes

The release of algae-derived dissolved organic matter (ADOM) significantly increased in serious eutrophication waters, posing great threats to drinking water safety. Thus, the molecular composition decipherment is urgently in need. However, due to unsatisfactory pretreatment and ionization effects, the application of Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) on ADOM was limited. Therefore, the effects of pretreatment methods (cartridge type and loading) during solid-phase extraction (SPE) and electrospray ionization (ESI) modes with FT-ICR-MS on the molecular composition of ADOM were evaluated. The results showed compared with silica-based octadecyl (C18) cartridge, styrene-divinylbenzene polymer (PPL) cartridge exhibited higher recovery efficiency and retained more saturated and oxygenated compounds, such as carbohydrate-like and tannin-like. Furthermore, the recovery efficiency decreased with increasing loading, and hydrophilic and high-oxygenated carbohydrate-like and tannin-like were continuously replaced by hydrophobic and low-oxygenated aliphatic and aromatic compounds. Moreover, compared to negative ESI mode, the addition of positive ESI mode increased the molecular chemodiversity, especially more lipid-like and protein-like compounds. Thus, we proposed < 1:500 DOC/PPL mass ratio during SPE and dual ESI modes coupled with FT-ICR-MS could identify ADOM molecules more comprehensively. This work contributes to more comprehensive understanding of the molecular composition of ADOM and provides more references for pretreatment and characterization strategies of severely eutrophic waters.

Toxicological and mechanistic insights into organic contaminants released from on-line membrane cleaning during ultrafiltration of algal-containing waters

Eutrophication has significantly challenged the treatment of algae-contaminated water. Ultrafiltration has become an essential method for water purification, though frequent on-line chemical cleaning is necessary to maintain membrane permeability. This study aims to systematically investigate the impact of various chemical cleaning agents on the release of dissolved organic matters and toxic by-products, particularly from algal cells. Through a series of controlled experiments, Microcystis aeruginosa cells were exposed to different cleaning agents (HCl, NaOH, NaClO), and the resulting DOM and by-products were characterized. Special attention was paid to the release of intracellular organic matter (IOM) and extracellular organic matter (EOM). Results revealed that NaClO significantly oxidized IOM, leading to the formation of humic-like substances and halogenated organic compounds (TOX), including 15 types of halogenated by-products detected by UPLC/ESI-tqMS. Furthermore, the release of toxic microcystin LR (MC-LR) was traced primarily to IOM. The removability of these contaminants by UF and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes was analyzed, revealing that over 50% of the toxic by-products passed through UF membranes, and 10% still penetrated RO membranes, raising significant concerns for downstream water quality and drinking water safety.

Novel selective ionic liquid membrane-coupled microfluidic chip for heavy metal separation and analytical strategies

The development of new low-cost, highly selective and efficient methods for the separation and detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous environments is of great importance for water safety and biological health. In this study, a novel ion separation membrane was prepared for the separation of copper ions in cadmium ion detection solution. Compared with the commercial membrane, the ion mobility was increased by 64.02 %, and further separated by selective complexation of thiacalix[4]arene-p-tetrasulfonate (TCAS), and the separation factor for Cu/Cd reached 34.66. This allowed Cd to be detected preferentially, and reduced the interference of other ions in the detection. The joint electric field environment was regulated to separate the organics and reduce the interference to the detection. The sensing performance was enhanced by modifying the screen-printed electrodes. The proposed sensing platform allows for simultaneous pre-processing and detection and has a detection limit of 0.19 μg-L−1 (S/N = 3) for Cd2+.

“Nano knife” for efficient piezocatalytic inactivation of amoeba spores and their intracellular bacteria: Synergetic effect between physical damage and chemical oxidation

Microbial interactions between infectious agents severely interfere with the disinfection process, and current disinfection methods are unable to effectively inactivate intracellular pathogens, posing a new threat to drinking water safety. In this study, we first reported the high efficiency of piezocatalysis in inactivating amoebae and their intracellular bacteria. Results showed that the inactivation rates of the MoS2/rGO piezocatalytic system for amoebic spores and their intracellular bacteria were 4.18 and 5.02-log, respectively, within 180min. Based on scavenger studies and ESR tests, the efficient inactivation of pathogens can be attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and different pathogens exhibit varying tolerances to distinct ROS. Moreover, TEM analysis revealed that the sharp edge of MoS2/rGO was conducive to the physical cutting of amoeba's cell wall and membrane, promoting the attack of ROS and ensuring a more thorough deactivation. Additionally, the intracellular ROS produced by amoebae is not only conducive to the inactivation of amoebae but also the main reason for the inactivation of bacteria in spores. This study provides a new solution for the inactivation of amoeba spores and their intracellular bacteria and emphasizes the high efficiency of the synergistic effect of physical damage and chemical oxidation.

A multi-dimensional comparative study on the performance of algae removal using various flotation

Flotation is considered the most cost-effective and efficient algae-water separation technology. However, there are various flotation techniques for algae removal, such as coagulation-flotation (CF), foam flotation (FF), and positively charged bubble flotation (PF). It remains unclear which method is most suitable for removing algae from water bodies and under what specific conditions each technique is most effective. This study systematically compares CF, FF, and PF in terms of algal cell removal efficiency, concentration ratio, flotation kinetics, impact on algal cells, removal efficiency of algal organic matter (AOM) and microcystins (MC-LR), as well as economic cost analysis. CF is better suited for algae removal in water bodies, including drinking water sources, using fixed installations on shore due to its high removal efficiency, high concentration ratio, low chemical dosage, and minimal residuals. FF is more appropriate for non-drinking water sources as it can remove algae and further control algal growth; however, its residual CTAB may pose a threat to drinking water safety. PF is most suitable for in situ algae removal within water bodies, primarily because it does not require stirring or coagulation. Instead, modified bubbles can be directly introduced into the algal distribution layer, where they adhere to algal cells, facilitating algae-water separation. All three flotation methods are economically feasible for algae removal. For FF, the costs of chemicals and electricity are nearly equal, while for CF and PF, the primary cost is electricity. This study provides data to support the selection of appropriate flotation technologies for emergency removal of algal blooms in water bodies.

Optimization of the Disinfection Process in Potabilization Systems in Cuenca Alto Atoyac, Mexico

Access to drinking water in Cuenca Alto Atoyac (CAA), serving over 3.5 million people, is challenged by contamination and inadequate disinfection processes. This study investigates the use of oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) as a tool to optimize disinfection in CAA’s water systems. The research was conducted in three stages: an initial pilot phase with 10 sampled sources, expanding to 14 supply sources in the experimental phase, followed by analyses defining optimal chlorine dosing and contact times across two distinct hydrogeological zones. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified key factors, explaining 53.52% of water quality variability, while ORP measurements revealed significant differences in water quality among sources, with “Ameca” and “Pozo #2 Santa María Atlihuetzían” representing the extremes. Adjusted chlorine doses and contact times were tailored to local conditions, achieving target ranges and ensuring improved microbial control. In the final stage, significant correlations were established between ORP levels, chlorine doses, and total coliform concentration, supporting the effectiveness of ORP in guiding disinfection processes. Overall, chlorine doses of 0.3–1.5 mg/L with contact times around 15 min yielded ORP values (594–687 mV) optimal for CAA water safety.

Complete genome sequences of six coliphages isolated from local water systems in the Philippines.

Complete genome sequences of six coliphages (genomic size: 87-347 Kbp; GC content: 35.10%-45.27%) belonging to the Felixounavirus, Tequintavirus, and Asteriusvirus genera were isolated from Philippine wastewater facilities and drainage systems. These phages offer potential for development as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for food and water safety.

Inactivation of Aspergillus Species and Degradation of Aflatoxins in Water Using Photocatalysis and Titanium Dioxide

Aflatoxins (AF) are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by various species of Aspergillus, posing significant health risks to humans and animals. The four most prominent types are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2). These mycotoxins are prevalent in various environments, including water sources and food products. Among these mycotoxins, AFB1 is recognized as the most toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic to humans. Consequently, most efforts to mitigate the impact of AF have been focused on AFB1, with photocatalysis emerging as a promising solution. Recent research has demonstrated that using semiconductor photocatalysis, particularly titanium dioxide (TiO2), combined with UV–visible irradiation significantly enhances the efficiency of AF degradation. TiO2 is noted for its high activity under UV irradiation, non-toxicity, and excellent long-term stability, making it a favorable choice for photocatalytic applications. Furthermore, TiO2 combined with visible light has demonstrated the ability to reduce AF contamination in food products. This article summarizes the working conditions and degradation rates achieved, as well as the advantages, limitations, and areas of opportunity of these methodologies for the degradation of AF and preventing their production, thereby enhancing food and water safety.

Chemical cleaning enhanced birnessite functional layer formed in gravity driven ceramic membrane for manganese-containing water purification

Excessive manganese in water proposes a challenge to potable water safety. The Gravity-Driven Ceramic Membrane (GDCM) system can achieve effectively Mn2+ removal, but PAC-MnOx (powdered activated carbon − manganese oxide) function layer still exhibits a “trade-off” effect because of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) within the functional layer pores. In this study, ascorbic acid, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were selected to clean PAC-MnOx layer to improve flux and ensure Mn2+ removal. The results indicate that, during a 200-day operation period, periodic chemical cleaning (2g/L NaClO + 1.5 % NaOH cleaning in 60d, 120d, 150d) enable GDCM flux to remain a desirable level. Three-dimensional fluorescence (EEM) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicate that organic pollutants within pores and encapsulated on PAC-MnOx’s surface were removed by chemical agents. Additionally, the “backwash + soak” step may alleviate dissolved bovine serum albumin (BSA) adhesion to membrane pores due to osmosis. Meanwhile, chemical actions caused extreme biological damage to the functional layer, but over time, the impact on water quality was diminishing. Raman and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirm that chemical cleaning GDCM didn’t hinder birnessite-type MnOx’s development. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that the addition of NaClO changed the lattice structure of MnOx, enhancing its catalytic oxidation performance. Therefore, the periodic cleaning method alternating between “forward filtration” with NaClO and NaOH and “backwash + soak” is suitable for cleaning GDCM.

Adaptive assessment of reservoir scheduling to hydrometeorological comprehensive dry and wet condition evolution in a multi-reservoir region of southeastern China

The role of reservoirs in water resource management is becoming crucial for flood control and drought mitigation in any basin because of the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events attributed to global climate change and human activities. Therefore, evaluating the relationship between reservoir storage (discharge) and wet (dry) evolution is crucial. This study explores the time-delay effect and spatial heterogeneity of reservoir discharge and storage on dry and wet conditions in several basins of Lin’an District (LAD) in southeastern China. An integrated methodology is developed in this study to assess the relationship by a monthly streamflow simulation model, the meteorological and hydrological comprehensive drought index (CDI) using a Frank Copula function, and an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework were used to develop a model to forecast dry and wet conditions and to evaluate the key factors affecting their changes. Results from the study indicate that the monthly water balance model can simulate the monthly hydrological processes with relatively high accuracy in the LAD region. The CDI reflects the intensity of wet and dry events more precisely, thoroughly, sensitively, and consistently by combining the benefits of hydrological and meteorological drought indicators. Precipitation, evaporation, streamflow, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) were the main contributing factors influencing the above 80% accuracy of the wet and dry forecast models. The average correlation between the outflow of each reservoir in LAD and CDI is 0.47, which is higher than the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Runoff Index (SRI). Moreover, the delay in months of dry (wet) events based on SPI, SRI, and CDI are 0.45 (0.41), 1.07 (0.65), and 0.87 (0.60), respectively. It suggests reservoirs are less capable of adaptive scheduling for drought events than for wet events, and they respond most quickly to SPI defined events. The results can provide scientific and technological support for water safety and security in the study area.

A Review of Deep Learning Applications for Sustainable Water Resource Management

Deep learning (DL) techniques and algorithms have the capacity to significantly impact world economies, ecosystems, and communities. DL technologies have been utilized in the development and administration of urban structures. However, there exists a dearth of literature reviewing the present level of these applications and exploring potential directions in which DL can address water challenges. This study aims to review demand projections, leakage detection and localization, drainage defect and blockage, cyber security and wealth surveillance, wastewater recycling and management, water safety prediction, rainfall conversation, and irrigation regulation. The application of DL techniques is currently in its early stages. Most studies have adopted standard networks, simulated information, and experimental or prototype settings to evaluate the efficacy of DL approaches. However, there have been no reported instances of practical adoption. Compared to other reviewed problems, leakage detection is currently being implemented practically in daily operations and handling of water facilities. The major challenges for the practical deployment of DL in water management include algorithmic development, multi-agent platforms, virtual clones, data quality and availability, security, context-aware data analysis, and training efficiency. We validate our study by using several case studies that employ DL for water treatment. Prospective exploration and deployment of DL systems are anticipated to advance water systems toward increased cognition and flexibility. This research aims to encourage further research and development in utilizing DL for feasible water usage and digitalization of the global water sector.

Pharmacy student’s awareness and perception of pharmaceutical disposal and its level in tap water

Background: Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals can harm humans, animals, and the ecosystem, with studies finding residues in tap water that may affect drinking water safety. Therefore, this study aims to examine pharmacy student’s disposal practices and the association between the Respondents' Disposal Practices (RDP) with Demographic Factors (RDF), their knowledge of the impact of improper disposal on tap water quality (KII), awareness of proper disposal practices (KPD), and the availability and accessibility of disposal facilities (AAD). Methods: The questionnaire consisted of a question on RDP as the dependent variable and fifteen questions from four independent variables, namely, RDF, KII, KPD, and AAD. It was distributed online using Google Forms. Descriptive data was analysed using SPSS to investigate the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: There were 175 respondents, and 76.6% of them kept unused or expired medications. The analysis revealed that the RDP were unrelated to the RDF. However, KII and KPD were partially associated with RDP. Lastly, the AAD was strongly associated with RDP. Conclusion: Most respondents were unaware of the proper disposal of unused or expired drugs. The study recommends incorporating proper medication disposal into the pharmacy curriculum and strengthening the medication take-back programme by encouraging community pharmacies to participate in the Medicine Return Programme.

Impact of climate change and human actions on the turbidity of water from wetlands in Rukiga district in Uganda: implications for health and community involvement

Climate change has been a serious issue in many countries, including Uganda, and has led to water contamination, pollution, and even water scarcity. Wetlands have shown their capacity to maintain water quality and safety for the population’s health through their filtering function, but they are highly susceptible to agricultural activities and destruction. This study aimed to determine the status of fifteen wetlands in the Rukiga district and the impact of climate hazards and human activities on water quality in the area where a conservation project was implemented by three organisations. Eighteen-month records were obtained, and readings were taken to determine the turbidity level of the water from the different wetlands. The reading mean of each wetland was used to determine three water source categories: clear or non-turbid (read > 80), less turbid (read 50–80), and very turbid (read 0–50). Analysis was performed with SPSS V28.0, which included univariate and bivariate analyses. Observation and conversation notes with project staff and community members were taken. The study showed that 93.33% of the water sources from wetlands were turbid, and for some, the turbidity did not oscillate stably from one category to another. Only one water source (6.67%) was still clear (non-turbid) for 18 months. These communities mostly contain wetlands as the main sources of water, which is collected from streams. Wetlands are more susceptible to agricultural activities, and hills are deforested exposing to soil erosion leading to water contamination. In conclusion, most wetlands are destroyed and have lost their filtering capacity and exposing people to consumption of unsafe water. Climate hazards and agricultural activities contributed the most to this issue. Interactions between NGOs and communities are helpful in responding to this threat.

Automatic in situ sensor based on K2S2O8 oxidation method for total phosphorus detection in marine water

Phosphorus is a key indicator for water quality management due to its role in eutrophication. The variety of phosphorus-containing substances necessitates highly sensitive detection of total phosphorus, particularly through automated methods, to ensure water safety. This study involved the independent development of a sensor featuring an automated in situ detection technique. Utilizing potassium persulfate high-temperature oxidation and phosphorus molybdenum blue spectrophotometry, total phosphorus was monitored in situ via sequential injection technology. Additionally, the detection process and reaction conditions of the sensor were optimized, and a temperature compensation algorithm and turbidity correction were applied to mitigate environmental factors. Under optimal conditions, the sensor demonstrated a detection limit of 1.9 µg/L with a range of 6.5–1000 µg/L in seawater, and 1.2 µg/L with a range of 4.1–2000 µg/L in freshwater. The digestion efficiency for five representative phosphorus-containing substances was found to range from 87.3% ± 1.7% to 103.1% ± 0.6%. Notably, the sensor was deployed for in situ operation at a marine experimental station and online at a river monitoring station. With its integration, low power consumption, and high precision, the sensor enabled long-term unattended monitoring, delivering accurate, stable, and reliable results.

An Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, South Africa: A Case Study of the Elukwatini Water Supply Scheme

This study analysed the water quality of 156 samples collected from 13 different points within the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality between January and December 2021, focusing on compliance with the South African National Standard 241 (SANS 241). Microbiological assessments revealed widespread contamination, with heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) exceeding the recommended range in nearly all samples. The median HPC levels were particularly concerning, with the untreated source (RE000) exhibiting a median of 2555 CFU/mL. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were present at alarming levels, indicating significant faecal contamination; the highest total coliform count, 2420 CFU/100 mL, was recorded at RE000. Physically, while all samples complied with electrical conductivity standards (0–70 µS/cm), turbidity levels showed variability, with nine samples exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1 NTU. The highest turbidity, 7.55 NTU, was recorded at the untreated source (RE000). Chemically, pH levels fell within safe ranges (6.0–9.0), with all samples being compliant with standards. However, only one sample (E001) met the free chlorine standard of 0.3–0.6 mg/L, suggesting inadequate disinfection practices. The untreated source was classified as ‘Unsuitable for drinking’ (WQI = 207.27). These findings highlight the critical need for enhanced monitoring and remediation strategies to improve drinking water safety in the region.