Assessment of Water Quality in Public Hospitals in Hail City, Saudi Arabia 2021-2024

Background: Groundwater is the main water source for public hospitals in Hail City, making its quality essential for providing safe health services, preventing infections, and ensuring patient safety. Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of groundwater used in public hospitals in Hail City using the water quality index (WQI) methodology. Methods: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using water quality data collected between 2021 and 2024. Physical and chemical parameters were analysed to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for human use in healthcare settings. A total of 28 water quality reports from five major public hospitals were included in the analysis. Results: The results revealed spatial and temporal variations in groundwater quality across the studied hospitals. Higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and total hardness were observed during the summer season, likely due to evaporation and increased ion concentration. Lower values were recorded in winter and autumn, reflecting the influence of climatic conditions. Most water samples were classified as “excellent” according to WQI values. However, Hospital 4 and 5 showed elevated levels of TDS, EC, and hardness, suggesting possible issues related to water treatment or storage systems. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of continuous and season-specific monitoring of groundwater quality in public hospitals. The study also supports the effectiveness of the Water Quality Index (WQI) as a practical tool for ensuring consistent water safety in healthcare facilities.