Assessment of Physical and Chemical Quality of Drinking Water in Urban and Rural Areas of a District in Lower Assam

Abstract

Background: Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health issue in       India. Chemical contaminants, particularly arsenic and iron, are prominent threats in Assam.

Objective: To assess physical and chemical quality of drinking water in selected rural and urban households of Barpeta district, Assam.

Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted (Dec 2023 – Feb 2024). Fifty water samples were obtained (25 rural, 25 urban) and analysed in a NABL-accredited laboratory for physical parameters (pH, turbidity, colour, odour, TDS, hardness) and chemical contaminants (iron, arsenic, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, sulphate). Data were analysed using SPSS v21.

Results: Tube wells were the main water source in both rural (64%) and urban (72%) areas. Urban households more frequently used filtration methods (92%), compared to rural households (84%). Physically, most samples met standards. Chemically, arsenic exceeded WHO limits (>0.01 mg/L) in 36% of urban and 32% of rural samples. Iron levels were high in 60% of urban and 52% of rural samples. Though Fluoride content remained low in majority, the chloride, nitrate, and sulphate remained within limits. Hardness was higher in urban water samples.

Conclusion: Drinking water in Barpeta district is generally safe in terms of physical quality but fails in chemical safety due to arsenic and iron contamination. Regular monitoring, community education, and government interventions are urgently needed.