Evaluating the impact of urbanization and pollution on drinking water quality in Southern Gujarat: A study of physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants

The current study focuses on analyzing the physical and chemical parameter of drinking water in Surat, Navsari, and Tapi district, India. A comprehensive water sampling, monitoring, and analysis were carried out, involving the collection of 100 samples. The quality of these samples was evaluated based on physiochemical and biological parameters such as color, odor, pH, total dissolved solids/salts (TDS), and bacterial analysis. The TDS range of sample varied from 10-750, pH levels across all samples ranged from 6.1 to 7.9, with some samples showing slight acidic. However, certain samples exceeded the limits set by both the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, 34% of the samples displayed low TDS, indicating a lack of essential minerals, potentially leading to health issues in the future. Furthermore, bacterial contamination was observed in 10 out of 100 samples, particularly in groundwater sources such as borewell water. This contamination may be attributed to factors like waste disposal, urbanization, and water pollution. Additionally, at these contamination points, TDS levels were found to exceed the prescribed limits by BIS and WHO. The study also highlights the awareness levels regarding drinking water quality, revealing a lack of awareness among the population. Therefore, there is an urgent need to initiate campaigns or seminars in rural areas to educate the community about the significance of drinking water quality. • The study identifying the quality of drinking water in Surat, Navsari, and Tapi District. • The pH range were found in between 6.1 to 7.9. • The TDS range were observed in between 16-711 ppm. • 34% percent of the water sample had low TDS. • Bacterial contamination found in 10% of samples, in groundwater sources like borewell water.