Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in Jhang

Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in Jhang – A Comprehensive Study

Abstract:
Jhang, a rapidly urbanizing city, is grappling with water quality challenges. This study has been made by Shakarganj Foundation to assess the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and pH values of 1,144 water samples collected from various locations of Jhang. Our results show differences in water quality across various roads, highlighting the importance of consistent water assessments.

1. Introduction:

Water quality is a crucial determinant of public health. Studies have indicated that a significant portion of diseases in developing countries can be attributed to the consumption of contaminated water (Adelodun et al., 2021; J. Ahmed, Wong, Chua, &Channa, 2020; Kumar, Srivastava, Banerjee, & Banerjee, 2022). pH and TDS are fundamental parameters in assessing water quality (Karamia, Alimohammadia, Soleimania, Askaria, & Treatment, 2019; Saalidong, Aram, Otu, &Lartey, 2022). pH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of water while TDS reveals the total concentration of dissolved substances in water.

Global climate variability is progressively impacting human health, notably in developing regions such as Pakistan (T.Ahmed, Zounemat-Kermani, &Scholz, 2020). These changes include shifts in rain patterns and increasing temperatures, which make health problems related to water more common. Diseases like dengue and chikungunya are coming back, especially harming those in poor conditions, showing a clear need for better water quality and healthcare services. In Jhang, a growing city, maintaining good water quality for its people is a challenge (Khan et al., 2023). As the city grows quickly, its water systems face problems, making water quality a big problem. High levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which is an important measure of water quality, are linked to many health problems (Jabar&Thabit, 2021). Therefore, it’s very important to address the water quality in Jhang to keep its people healthy (Hussain et al., 2019).

2. Research Methodology

Sample Collection: Water samples were collected from various location in Jhang, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the different areas. In total, 1,144 samples were gathered from the different areas.

Sampling Routes: Faisalabad Road, Toba Road, Sarghoda Road, Dar ul Sakina Road, Khaki Shah Road, Old Chiniot Road, BastiMallah (Toba Road), Bakhar Road, Gojra Road, Bakhar Road (Ali Abad), College Road, and Bab-e-Ali Road.

Analysis: An immediate onsite analysis was conducted using a TDS/pH meter, ensuring that the results were not compromised by transportation or storage. Each sample was tested for its pH and TDS levels.

Data Management: All the data was recorded systematically for each location. The data was then entered into a computerized database for further analysis.

3. Results:

The results were categorized based on TDS levels: Safe (TDS < 500 ppm), Marginally Safe (TDS 501-700 ppm), and Unsafe (TDS > 701 ppm). Old Chiniot Roadshowed the highest number of samples (36 %) in the safe range, whereas Gojra Road has the highest number of samples (76%) in the unsafe range.

Table 1: Distribution of TDS Levels across Various Roads in Jhang

Location	Total Samples	*No. of Sample (Green Code)**	No. of Sample (Blue Code*)	No. of Sample (Red Code*)
Faisalabad Road	85	06 (07%)	19 (22%)	60 (71%)
Sargodha Road	60	04 (07%)	11 (18%)	45 (75%)
Toba Road	329	93 (28%)	117 (36%)	119 (36%)
Dar-ul-Sakina Road	93	02 (02%)	34 (37%)	57 (61%)
Khaki Shah Road	79	25 (32%)	26 (33%)	28 (35%)
Old Chiniot Road	91	33 (36%)	23 (25%)	35 (38%)
Basti Mallah (Toba Road)	101	08 (08%)	41 (41%)	52 (51%)
Bakhar Road	92	16 (17%)	35 (38%)	41 (45%)
Gojra Road	79	05 (06%)	14 (18%)	60 (76%)
Bakhar Road (Ali Abad)	54	06 (11%)	32 (59%)	16 (30%)
College Road	52	05 (10%)	14 (27%)	33 (63%)
Bab e Ali	29	07 (24%)	20 (69%)	02 (07%)

*Green (TDS Safe range <500)

*Blue (TDS Marginally Safe range 501-700)

*Red (TDS (Unsafe range >701)

The analysis paints a diverse picture of water quality across Jhang. While some roads show predominantly safe water, others indicate potential contamination. Regular monitoring and necessary interventions, especially in areas with high unsafe TDS concentrations, are crucial to ensuring the safety of Jhang’s residents.

Green (TDS Safe Range < 500)
Blue (TDS Marginally Safe Range 501-700)
Red (TDS Unsafe Range > 701)

Figure 1:Distribution of Samples Categorized on the Basis of TDS Levels on Jhang Roads Using Color Coding System

4. Recommendations / Future Perspective

Comprehensive Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of Jhang’s water sources is crucial. Localized monitoring hubs can yield detailed insights into water quality variations across different areas.
Water Treatment Facilities: Given the identified contaminants, the immediate establishment or enhancement of water treatment facilities in Jhang is essential. These facilities should focus on maintaining TDS levels within safe thresholds.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Partnering with health departments to conduct public awareness initiatives can enlighten residents about the significance of water quality, driving community-level actions.

5. Conclusion:

Our comprehensive assessment of water quality across multiple roads in Jhang has illuminated stark disparities and alarming levels of contaminants in local water sources. The pervasive elevated levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) invoke an urgent and immediate response. This investigation not only highlights the present challenges encountered by residents in obtaining safe water but also magnifies the extensive implications for public health and collective well-being in the region. The findings herein solidify the critical importance of ensuring access to clean water to promote and sustain healthy communities, emphasizing the need for strategic, both immediate and prospective, interventions. Ultimately, this research provides a foundational framework from which policymakers, researchers, and local bodies in Jhang can collaboratively engineer strategies, ensuring a secure water future for all its population.

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