Assessment Of Water Quality Stability And Impact Of Leakages In Shirpur Water Distribution System

Abstract

The Quality Of Drinking Water Supplied To Consumers Depends Not Only On Treatment Efficiency At The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) But Also On Conditions Within The Distribution System. In Many Indian Towns, Variations In Water Quality Are Observed During Distribution Due To Intermittent Supply And Increased Water Residence Time. This Study Evaluates The Stability Of Drinking Water Quality In The Shirpur Water Distribution System, Maharashtra. Water Samples Were Collected From The WTP Outlet And Household Taps In Selected Residential Areas And Analyzed For Key Physical And Chemical Parameters Using Standard Methods. The Results Were Compared With IS 10500 And WHO Drinking Water Standards. The Findings Indicate That Most Parameters Remain Within Permissible Limits; However, A Gradual Reduction In Residual Chlorine Was Observed Along The Distribution Network, Mainly Due To Increased Residence Time. Pipeline Leakages Were Found To Contribute Primarily To Water Losses And Reduced Supply Efficiency Rather Than Direct Deterioration Of Water Quality. The Study Highlights The Importance Of Regular Water Quality Monitoring, Effective Leakage Control To Minimize Water Loss, And Proper Maintenance Of Distribution Infrastructure To Ensure A Safe And Reliable Drinking Water Supply.

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