Potable Water Supply Research Articles

Evaluate and design public policies to address water supply and quality issues in the water crisis in Monterrey and its metropolitan areas

The present article focuses on the evaluation and design of public policies aimed at addressing the issues of water availability and quality in the water crisis affecting Monterrey and its metropolitan area. As water demand has increased due to population growth and urban development, a situation of water scarcity has emerged, posing a threat to water security and the well-being of the region. The implementation of effective public policies on water is crucial to confront this crisis. Through rigorous evaluation of water availability and quality, it becomes possible to identify problem areas and sources of contamination, enabling concrete measures to be taken for mitigation and control. Additionally, appropriate design of public policies promotes water conservation, encourages sustainable water management practices, and establishes governance mechanisms to ensure their implementation. The successful implementation of these public policies entails a range of benefits and utilities. Firstly, it ensures the provision of potable water to the population, meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life. Moreover, it promotes the conservation of water resources, preventing their overexploitation and ensuring long-term availability. Furthermore, it prevents water pollution, preserving its quality and safeguarding the health of the inhabitants. Encouraging results have been observed as a result of the implementation of effective public policies. There has been a decrease in water scarcity and an improvement in the quality of water available for human consumption and industrial use. Additionally, citizen participation and community engagement in water management have been promoted, strengthening the region's resilience to future water challenges.

Layer-by-layer assembled graphitic carbon nitride membranes for water treatment

Meeting societal demand for potable water supply remains one of the prioritized challenges faced in the modern era. The anthropogenic intervention has led to a dire situation threatening ecological balance and human health. There is an inevitable need for the development of new technologies and innovations in existing technologies for water treatment. Photocatalytic Membrane technology, encompassing the merits of membrane filtration and photocatalytic degradation has evolved as a potential and reliable technology for sustainable water treatment. Innovations in photocatalytic materials and membrane fabrication techniques can lead to the goal of commercialization of membrane water treatment technology. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and its functionalized analog as photocatalytic membranes for sustainable water treatment. g-C3N4 and Tetracarboxyphenylporphyrin sensitized g-C3N4 (g-C3N4/TCPP) was introduced onto commercial nylon membrane surface via a layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method using chitosan and sodium salt of polystyrene sulphonic acid as polyelectrolytes. The fabricated membranes were characterized to ensure the integration of the photocatalysts. The performance of the membranes for water treatment was assessed by selecting some common dyes as model pollutants. The modified membranes exhibited excellent flux recovery and could afford high rejection rates upon irradiation indicating the prospects for sustainable filtration.

What is there to drink? Water (in)justice in the democratic South Africa

IntroductionAligned to Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa which recognizes water to be a basic human right, the democratic government from 1994 adopted policies, legislation and programmes that encourage universal access to basic water services. Although some progress has been made in urban areas concerning access to potable water supply, South Africa still faces serious problems in providing basic water services in rural areas. This study aims to understand sources of drinking water, how water is accessed by local communities, and determine the barriers associated with access to potable water and management in the rural villages of Madiba and Enqabeni.Data collectionTo fulfil the aim of this study, semi-structured interviews, interviewer-administered questionnaires, and field observations were employed as data collection tools. Data obtained from interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis, while the questionnaires were assessed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results and DiscussionThe study found that the majority of people still rely on untreated water from open water bodies. The study also identified corruption, and infrastructural and institutional problems as barriers affecting water service delivery to communities. These institutional problems mean that water resource management and access are unfair, inequitable and unjust, and constitute water injustice. The basic human right of access to water by communities is thereby violated and this has devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of community members. Despite democracy, the legacy of apartheid's unequal water policy is still influencing water services and South Africa remains far from achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.

A Review Article on Analysis and Design of Water Distribution Network for Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) stands as a transformative initiative aimed at ensuring accessible and potable water supply to every rural household across India. This review article delves into assessing the comprehensive impact of the JJM on rural water supply systems, with a primary focus on evaluating its assessment methodologies, distribution network designs, and analytical aspects.The assessment section scrutinizes the strategies employed under the JJM for gauging the water needs of rural communities. It examines the mission's effectiveness in identifying and addressing the diverse and dynamic requirements of different regions, considering factors such as population density, topography, and water quality.Furthermore, the design of the distribution network within the JJM framework is critically analyzed. This includes an exploration of the planning, engineering, and implementation methodologies used to establish robust and efficient water supply networks in rural areas. The article delves into the technological innovations, if any, adopted for optimizing water distribution, storage, and management.

Exploring groundwater quality in semi-arid areas of Algeria: Impacts on potable water supply and agricultural sustainability

Exploring groundwater quality in semi-arid areas of Algeria: Impacts on potable water supply and agricultural sustainability

Future potable water supply demand projection under climate change and socioeconomic scenarios: A case of Gshba subbasin, Northern Ethiopia

This paper aims to quantify the subbasin’s potable water supply demand forecast from 2023 to 2050 under various scenarios of climate change and socioeconomic development. The variability of the climate and the resulting problems with urbanization threaten the availability of water resources, especially in less developed countries like Ethiopia. Thus, the main objective of this study is showing the necessary to determine the amount of water needed in advance, in order to comply with the availability of water resources within a specified future period under different scenarios. Our indicator-based approach used a multicriteria decision-making technique. Accordingly, several important variables were considered, including climatological, anthropological, demographic, socioeconomic, and economic variables, in addition to water engineering-related factors (e.g. Water losses). The method also considered a number of factors, such as unexpected and extreme temperature changes, and forecasting factors studied by the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy. The projected population in the subbasin is estimated at 2.52 million, so the total projected water supply demand i.e., for domestic, non-domestic, industrial, commercial, public, and institutional is approximately 126.53 MCM/yr by 2050. Our results revealed how changes in both climatic and socioeconomic factors strongly influence future water resource system performance, and this will help the water services provider better prioritize the refurbishment of existing infrastructure and investment in new infrastructure, and more importantly, manage the subbasin effectively by introducing resilient adaptation options.

Wastewater contaminants in a fractured bedrock aquifer and their potential use as enteric virus indicators.

Domestic wastewater is a source of persistent organic pollutants and pathogens to the aquatic environment, including groundwater aquifers. Wastewater contaminants include a variety of personal care products, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disrupters, bacteria, and viruses. Groundwater from 22 wells completed in a semi-confined to confined, fractured Silurian dolostone aquifer in southern Wellington County, Ontario, Canada, was analyzed for 14 organic wastewater contaminants (4 artificial sweeteners, 10 pharmaceuticals) as well as E. coli, total coliforms, and 6 human enteric viruses. Enteric viruses were detected in 8.6% of 116 samples, and at least one organic wastewater contaminant was detected in 82% of the wells (in order of decreasing detection frequency: acesulfame, ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, triclosan, carbamazepine, and saccharin). Virus indicator metrics [positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), sensitivity, specificity] were calculated at the sample and well level for the organic wastewater compounds, E. coli, and total coliforms. Fecal bacteria were not good predictors of virus presence (PPV = 0%-8%). Of the potential chemical indicators, triclosan performed the best at the sample level (PPV = 50%, NPV = 100%), and ibuprofen performed the best at the well level (PPV = 60%, NPV = 67%); however, no samples had triclosan or ibuprofen concentrations above their practical quantification limits. Therefore, none of the compounds performed sufficiently well to be considered reliable for assessing the potential threat of enteric viruses in wastewater-impacted groundwater in this bedrock aquifer. Future studies need to evaluate the indicator potential of persistent organic wastewater contaminants in different types of aquifers, especially in fractured rock where heterogeneity is strong.IMPORTANCEAssessing the potential risk that human enteric viruses pose in groundwater aquifers used for potable water supply is complicated by several factors, including: (i) labor-intensive methods for the isolation and quantification of viruses in groundwater, (ii) the temporal variability of these viruses in domestic wastewater, and (iii) their potentially rapid transport in the subsurface, especially in fractured rock aquifers. Therefore, aquifer risk assessment would benefit from the identification of suitable proxy indicators of enteric viruses that are easier to analyze and less variable in wastewater sources. Traditional fecal indicators (e.g., E. coli and coliforms) are generally poor indicators of enteric viruses in groundwater. While many studies have examined the use of pharmaceutical and personal care products as tracers of domestic wastewater and fecal pollution in the environment, there is a paucity of data on the potential use of these chemical tracers as enteric virus indicators, especially in groundwater.

Synergistic sorption: Enhancing arsenic (V) removal using biochar decorated with cerium oxide composite

Removal of Arsenic, a potent carcinogen from aqueous environments is imperative to ensure the provision of potable water and to mitigate the risks associated with its exposure. In this study, we explore a composite based on biochar derived from coconut-shell loaded with Cerium Oxide for the removal of Arsenic (As(V)) by adsorption. The synthesized adsorbent combines the characteristic high specific surface area of carbon materials with high adsorption affinity of CeO2 towards Arsenic to create a synergistic effect. Various parameters such as initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, presence of coexisting anions etc., were investigated to determine the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption. The effect of initial pH on the adsorption was also investigated and maximum removal efficiency of around 99 % was observed. A very high adsorption capacity was observed and highlighting the genesis of a highly effective adsorbent for the removal of As(V) incorporating an inexpensive and ecologically acceptable approach.

Study on the Basic Form of Reservoir Operation Rule Curves for Water Supply and Power Generation

Reservoir operation rule curves are crucial for managing water supply and power generation in reservoirs. As the number of objectives and management requirements increase, there is a growing demand for optimized operation rule curves. The objective of this study is to explore the most effective forms of reservoir operation rule curves, focusing on the case of the Nierji Reservoir and considering the dual objectives of water supply and power generation. The parameter–simulation–optimization framework, specifically employing the NSGA-II algorithm, was used to analyze and compare two basic forms of operation rule curves: the shared type and independent type. The impact of these curves on water supply potential and multi-objective optimization results with various water demand scenarios was assessed. The analysis revealed that the choice of operation rule curve form can influence the maximum water supply potential of the reservoir to some extent. The independent type operation rule curve was significantly more effective in enhancing the water supply potential for industrial and domestic users, resulting in a notable increase of 3.5 × 108 m3. Additionally, it also proved beneficial for environmental users, with an increase of 1 × 108 m3. Conversely, the shared type operation rule curve demonstrated similar functionality to the independent type curve with fewer decision variables, particularly when the water demand was relatively low. In scenarios with high water demand, the independent type curve outperformed the shared type curve by generating 6549 superior, non-dominated solutions for multi-objective optimization, specifically focused on maximizing reservoir operation benefits. In conclusion, selecting the appropriate form of reservoir operation rule curve is crucial to balance different reservoir functional objectives and achieve optimal results. Further research could focus on quantifying the specific benefits and trade-offs associated with each type of curve in order to provide more robust evidence for the advantages of a complex reservoir system.

Phenolic compounds occurrence and human health risk assessment in potable and treated waters in Western Cape, South Africa.

Phenolic pollutants from industrial and agricultural activities pose a major threat to the world's potable water supply. The persistent micro-pollutants often find their way into drinking water sources with possible adverse human health implications. In this study, bottled water, tap water, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent samples from the Boland region of the Western Cape, South Africa were assessed to determine 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) levels using HPLC/DAD instrumentation. The selected area is known for its vast agricultural ventures and wineries. Evaluation of the human health risk (cancer risk) for the pollutants was conducted using the hazard quotient (HQ). The Ames mutagenicity test was also conducted using the Salmonella typhimurium T98 and T100 strains and the S9 activation enzyme. Trace levels of the phenolics were detected in the samples with a range of 9.32 × 10-7-1.15 × 10-4mg/L obtained for 4-CP, and 8.80 × 10-7-1.72 × 10-4mg/L recorded for 2,4-DCP. Both compounds had levels below the limit of 0.01mg/L prescribed by South African legislation. The assessed HQ for the phenolic concentrations indicates a low level of potential ecological risk and none of the samples had a cancer risk value that exceeded the regulatory limit. The possibility of the analyzed samples causing cancer is unlikely, but non-carcinogenic adverse effects were found. Strong mutagenicity was observed for the T98 strains with a potential ability to cause mutation toward the insertion or deletion of a nucleotide. The T100 bacterial strain showed very slight mutagenicity potential, however, it is unlikely to cause any mutation. The levels of phenolics in the potable water samples may pose a significant threat to human health. Hence, screening persistent organic chemicals in potable water sources and evaluating their potential human health effects is pertinent to prevent associated health challenges.

Chemical assessment and spatial distribution of selected elements in aquatic sediments in the region of Peja (Kosovo)

In Kosovo, the supply of potable water from water sources is represented by about 40%. This study represents the geochemical analyses of sediments, spatial and statistical analyses of major elements in sediments (fraction < 63 µm) of water sources in the Drini i Bardhë River basin. For a better understanding of the geochemical consistency of sediments, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used and the amounts of P and S were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). By comparing the concentrations of Ba, Se, and P with the existing criteria, it was found that 26 of 50 sample points exceed recommended norms, which cause low/significant toxic effects and 23 of 50 sample points include anomalies of the analyzed elements. In terms of statistical interpretation, the average concentration of the studied elements decreased in such order: Ca > Al > Mg > K > S > P > Na > Ba > Sr > Li > Rb > B > Ga > Cs > Be > Se. In terms of correlation analyses, elements such as Li, Be, Mg, P, and Ba did not show a significant positive correlation with any element. Cluster analysis of R-modality shows a branch of dendrogram linked with Ca, Al, Mg, S, K, P, Na, Ba, Sr, Cs, B, Ga, Se, Be, Rb, and Li. Spatial distribution maps of major elements show that high concentrations of Li, Ca, and Ba were located mostly in the northern part, high concentrations of B, Na, Mg, Sr, and Cs were located in the north-east part, high concentrations of Be and Al were located in the north and south part and high concentrations of P, S, K and Rb were located mostly in the south-east part of the catchment basin. This high concentration of elements is impacted by the lithology of rocks and by the minor influence of human activity (the case of P).

Strengthening the human resource potential as a basis for the development of the potable water supply and disposal sector of the Kyrgyz Republic

This article addresses the issue of development of the Professional and technical development programme for drinking water supply and disposal sector of the Kyrgyz Republic as a strategic document aimed to strengthen the human resource capacity of the sector and to create due conditions for its successful realisation. The programme was developed on the basis of evaluation of the training needs and the institutional potential, with the use of such research methods as desk review of documents, questioning, focus group discussions and in-depth interviewing. The programme envisages involvement of all concerned parties in facilitation of people’s access to drinking water: public authorities, potable water supply and disposal providers, international donors, educational organisations and other partners.

A Comparative Assessment and its Characterization of the Integrated Novel Water Pollution Index and its Statistical Approach for the Evaluation of Spatial Variations Using Factor Analysis: A Geospatial Approach in Mahanadi River, Odisha

Knowledge on water quality and its assessment, is necessary for both human health and environmental benefit. To account for spatial distribution, surface water quality parameters were analysed using integrated interpolation, geographical information systems (GIS) and multivariate analysis. A total of 19 locations and 13 water quality indicators were analysed, for a duration of six years (2018-2024). The study’s main objective was to assess the seasonal and regional variations in the water quality index (WQI) of Mahanadi River in Odisha using (N) pi, (S) pi, (O) pi, (C) pi, (E)y-WQI, Int w-WQI and Multivariate Statistical tools namely Factor Analysis (Fa). However, in the current investigation, pH, HCO3-, Na+, K+ and Mg2+ were within the permissible limits as per WHO standards. According to this study, the order of prevalence of ion concentrations is signified as follows: Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Na+ for cations and HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- for anions. The analysis of (N) pi indicated that about 15.79% of the sampled area, is affected by turbidity content, which is highly unsuitable for consumption. However, the remaining area (84.21%) is within the safe category of water. Classification of water based on (S) pi represents most of water samples falls between good water quality. Three unsuitable samples is noted as a result of excessive TDS and EC. In case of (O)pi, over 84.21% of the samples fell into categories of excellent, indicating the suitability for human activities. Using surface water quality results from (C) pi model, that reflects that out of 19 samples, 16 were suitable for drinking. Whereas 2 were polluted and 1 is seriously polluted, thus promotes unsuitability. Although there are several established techniques for calculating the WQI, the current study uses the quality index to consider a variety of water quality concerns in a cohesive manner. Meanwhile, in case of (E)y-WQI, 84.30% were excellent whereas 10% and 5% were poor and high polluted category. Over 42.11% of the samples fell into the categories of poor/very poor/not suitable, using the Int w-WQI diagram. Therefore, using these six approaches resembles a precise and comprehensive method to comprehend water quality in relation to pollution for human usage. In later stage, a factor analysis (Fa) can be applied to lessen the subjectivity and dimension of water quality characteristics. It reveals that the first five principal components explain almost 95.61% of dataset variation. This method removes the aggregation problems, weighting, opacity, and biases seen in traditional water quality evaluation techniques. The results of Fa suggested that turbidity, TKN, Ca2+ and Cl-, were the primary determinants of the water’s quality. The amount of organic pollution that was released into the river was influenced by anthropogenic activity in the vicinity of the river. In addition, the traditional dense habitation next to the river and the manufacturing waste that is transported from upstream to downstream are the sources of the high amount of TKN in urine and faeces. Therefore, given the high spatial distribution of geogenic turbidity and TKN occurrence, the study’s findings minimize uncertain causes and offer insights into surface water pollution regimes. They will also be useful to policy makers in helping to better plan, allocate resources, and manage the area’s potable water supply.

Assessment of training needs and institutional potential of the potable water supply and disposal sector in the Kyrgyz Republic

This article explores the issue of training needs and the institutional potential of potable water supply and disposal sector in the Kyrgyz Republic. Reforming the sector would entail transformational changes in the activity of the regulatory agency – State Agency of Architecture, Construction and Municipal Housing Economy under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as in the work of the agent performing the function of enhancement and development of the institutional potential in the potable water supply and disposal sector – Department for development of potable water supply and disposal. The introduction of new functions is conditioned by the use of new technologies in the area of water supply and disposal and by the new requirements for specialists operating the new equipment. The acute shortage of qualified specialists has drawn attention of all stakeholders engaged in drinking water supply to the population. The following methods were used in the study: desk review of documents, focus group discussion, in-depth interviewing, comparative analysis, system analysis, structural analysis – which allowed for a comprehensive analysis.

Assessing the carbon footprint of drinking water supply system in Indonesia: A case study of the Rebana Metropolitan Area

The development of the Rebana Metropolitan Area in the northern region of West Java aims to improve the economy in the area with improved infrastructure, including safe drinking water provision through a sustainable drinking water supply system (SPAM) that aligns with low-carbon development in Indonesia. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the carbon footprint associated with SPAM. A dynamic system modeling approach was employed to calculate SPAM’s carbon footprint, considering key activities such as drinking water supply through piped networks and wells, bottled water distribution, potable water provision through refillable drinking water depots, and drinking water boiling. The model was calibrated and validated using data from Indramayu Regency, demonstrating its accuracy with an RMSPE value of 0.03% for the population and 4.89% for water treatment plant production capacity. By utilizing data from industrial zones (KPI) Patrol and Losarang, the model simulations revealed that under business as usual (BAU) conditions, the projected carbon footprint of SPAM in 2040 was 332,194 tCO2eq. To explore effective intervention strategies, three scenarios (I, II, and III) were simulated, incorporating different rates of wastewater recycling—10%, 20%, and 30% by 2030, respectively. The results demonstrated that implementing these scenarios would lead to reduced SPAM’s carbon footprints in 2040, with projected values of 283,275 tCO2eq, 246,586 tCO2eq, and 225,184 tCO2eq for scenarios I, II, and III, respectively. Bottled water exhibited the highest carbon footprint per unit volume of 28.847 kgCO2eq/m3.

Physical and Chemical Analysis of Water Quality at Al-Dur Water Treatment Plant

Background: Water is a fundamental element for sustaining life, playing a crucial role in supporting various organisms. Ensuring the quality of water is vital for public health and safety. This study aimed to examine the water quality at different stages of the Al-Dur Water Treatment Plant and household supplies serviced by the plant from September 2023 to February 2024. Methods: Five water samples were collected from different stages of the treatment process, including raw, sedimentation, alum, treated, and storage tank waters. Additional samples from household supplies were also gathered. Upon arrival at the laboratory, all samples underwent immediate physical and chemical testing. Parameters measured included air and water temperatures, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH levels, total hardness, total alkalinity, salinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Results: During the study period, air temperatures ranged from 12.4°C to 34.4°C, and water temperatures varied between 11.4°C and 28.6°C. Turbidity values ranged from 1.58 NTU to 32.2 NTU, while electrical conductivity values ranged from 412 µS/cm to 585 µS/cm. pH values, predominantly alkaline, ranged from 7.3 to 9.6. Alkalinity values ranged from 40 mg/L to 180 mg/L, and TDS from 210 mg/L to 355 mg/L. Total hardness levels were between 138 mg/L and 338.3 mg/L, aligning with recommended drinking water standards. Conclusion: The findings contribute to a better understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of water processed by the Al-Dur Water Treatment Plant, essential for ensuring water quality and safety in the region. This study aids in evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment processes and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards for potable water supply.

Chemistries and materials for atmospheric water harvesting.

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is recognized as a crucial strategy to address the global challenge of water scarcity by tapping into the vast reserves of atmospheric moisture for potable water supply. Within this domain, sorbents lie in the core of AWH technologies as they possess broad adaptability across a wide spectrum of humidity levels, underpinned by the cyclic sorption and desorption processes of sorbents, necessitating a multi-scale viewpoint regarding the rational material and chemical selection and design. This Invited Review delves into the essential sorption mechanisms observed across various classes of sorbent systems, emphasizing the water-sorbent interactions and the progression of water networks. A special focus is placed on the insights derived from isotherm profiles, which elucidate sorbent structures and sorption dynamics. From these foundational principles, we derive material and chemical design guidelines and identify key tuning factors from a structural-functional perspective across multiple material systems, addressing their fundamental chemistries and unique attributes. The review further navigates through system-level design considerations to optimize water production efficiency. This review aims to equip researchers in the field of AWH with a thorough understanding of the water-sorbent interactions, material design principles, and system-level considerations essential for advancing this technology.

Retracted: A Brief Data on Water Demand Assessment for Sustainable Potable Water Supply in Yergalem Tula Kebele, Ethiopia

Retracted: A Brief Data on Water Demand Assessment for Sustainable Potable Water Supply in Yergalem Tula Kebele, Ethiopia

A Comparison of Maximum Permissible Concentrations for Pesticides in Brazilian Water Supply

Abstract Pesticides have been used for a long time in agriculture to prevent the growth of undesired organisms. However, depending on the type of production (i.e., conventional, organic, and regenerative), they might not be applied. Adequate types and uses of pesticides should not cause any damage to any non-target species or environments due to the exposure to it, especially if all farming operations have been done properly. Reversely, when pesticides are applied in inappropriate time, amount or technique, they may cause several impacts, among which is water contamination. Brazil stands out worldwide for its agricultural potential, but it is exposed to risks concerning the water supply security to its population. The current study is a comparison of the Maximum Permissible Concentrations (MPC) for pesticides in potable water supply in Brazil with the values set in the United States, Canada, European Union countries, Japan, and the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization. The regulations of each country were used, as well as the trading, consumption and agricultural production data. The Brazilian regulation is the one accounting for the largest number of pesticides. However, their MPC is 5,000 times more permissible than that from the European Union for the herbicide known as glyphosate, 300 times than that for 2,4-d and 20 times than that for atrazine. Finally, it was possible to observe the relevance of revising the regulation and public policies in place to minimize the indiscriminate use of pesticides in Brazil and adapt these compounds to the standards in a global level.

Evaluating the Major Sources of Surface Water Quality in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Province, Nepal

The Mardi Watershed serves as a crucial source of drinking water for Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC), Gandaki Province, Nepal, offering a wide range of ecosystem services including fishing, tourism, transportation, livestock support, and, notably, clean drinking water. However, the main river and its tributaries face degradation due to a blend of human and natural impacts. This comprehensive study rigorously examines the physicochemical and biological attributes that define water quality within the watershed. Recognizing the global importance of water quality for human well-being, this investigation specifically evaluates the suitability of water for drinking purposes. Twenty-three samples were collected and subjected to analysis for the twenty-one distinct physicochemical parameters. The analysis covers physicochemical parameters such as pH, water temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity as well as concentrations of ions such as calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), sulfate (SO42-), and phosphate (PO43-), free carbon dioxide (CO2), chloride (Cl-), total hardness (TH), calcium hardness (CaH), magnesium hardness (MgH), iron (Fe2+), turbidity (Turb.) Simultaneously, biological markers including total coliforms were assessed. The overall water quality aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a significant exception lies in microbial indicators. Microbial presence, likely a result of increasing anthropogenic pressures, is relatively elevated in most samples. Furthermore, the cumulative outcome reveals a Water Quality Index (WQI) of 22.04, indicating excellent suitability for drinking. Since, effective management strategies are crucial for ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of potable water to the urban population, information obtained through this study can contribute to the sustainable management of water quality and maintaining a reliable supply of safe drinking water to urban communities.