Microbial and Chemical Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Its Public Health Implications in Shkodra, Albania

Access to clean drinking water remains fundamental to public health, especially in preventing waterborne diseases. This study evaluates the relationship between drinking water quality and disease incidence in Shkodra, Albania, based on microbiological and physicochemical assessments conducted throughout 2023. Residual chlorine levels and Escherichia coli contamination were central indicators. Results showed 42.18% of samples had 0 mg/L chlorine, while 4.3% tested positive for E. coli findings that coincided with higher disease rates in August. The study highlights chlorination failures as a critical factor in microbial contamination and calls for stronger disinfection protocols and continuous monitoring to reduce health risks associated with unsafe water.