Physiochemical Assessment of Water from selected Urban and Rural Water Supply Schemes in Gilgit Baltistan Northern Pakistan

Abstract Quality Drinking water to the remote communities of Northern Pakistan is one of the major challenges. Many communities of the region are faced with water borne diseases due to poor quality of water. Physiochemical properties of water play an important role in the quality of water. WHO has recommended the standards for the quality of drinking water. In this research,154 water samples were collected from 50 sites across Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan, and their pH value, Total dissolved Solids (TDS), Salinity, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Hardness and Turbidity were determined. These values were compared with WHO Standards for drinking water. It has been observed that in some cases, the TDS, EC and Turbidity were found on higher side, making it unfit for drinking. In such cases, the open stream water (Nullah) has been mixed with the spring water to augment the water needs of increased population. This has deteriorated the quality of water as a result. It is recommended that proper water treatment initiatives may be undertaken in such areas and the existing capacity of water supply systems may be enhanced to meet the needs of people due to population increase.