Community perceptions of potable water quality and public health implications in flood-affected areas of Nowshera District, Pakistan

• The past floods in the Nowshera district emphasize its susceptibility to such calamities. • This study identified and mapped flood-prone areas in district Nowshera using GIS and AHP. • Five flood hazard zones were identified, and very high 19.49 % of the study area. • Flood map validated with 91.4 % accuracy and AUC value of 0.914 confirms high reliability. Access to safe and affordable water is indispensable for human health. However, the challenges posed by climate change and its impacts seriously threaten water supply systems. Therefore, it is crucial to understand public perceptions of water quality and its impact on human health. The current research study aims to investigate community perceptions about the status of potable water quality and its effects on human health in flood-affected neighborhood councils (NCs) of the Nowshera district. Public perceptions were assessed via household surveys, community interviews, and focus group discussions with relevant officials and community members. Eleven NCs, representing 2% of households, were surveyed. Respondents were queried about their perception of water quality, satisfaction with municipal water services, climate change, changes in water quality after floods, and the impact of polluted water on human health. Data was meticulously recorded using the Kobo Collect tool for subsequent analysis. The results highlight that 97% of respondents in NC Mana Khel and 63% in Dagi Khel were not satisfied with the water quality after the flood. Similarly, in Khalil Abad, Mana Khel, and Allah-yar Khel, 100% of respondents, 96% in Behram Khan Khel, and 93% in Nawa Kalli reported significant changes in water quality after floods. The findings of this study can empower public health professionals and policymakers to effectively target public awareness initiatives and formulate policies related to potable water.