Abstract:
Water is one of the most precious resources in the world, being both abundant and
essential for life. Although it is impossible to exhaust the world's water supply altogether,
water quality can be degraded, making it harmful or even lethal for human and animal
consumption. This study aimed to assess the perception of drinking water quality in
Kohat City. To achieve this, a physiochemical and microbial analysis of the drinking
water was conducted, followed by a comparison with past data and a field survey to
evaluate the results. Water samples were collected from various parts of the city and
tested in Islamabad. The results were compared with past data to identify any changes
since then. The results revealed a significant issue with microbial contamination in the
water. A survey conducted among the residents of Kohat City showed that most people's
perceptions of their drinking water quality were accurate, with a few exceptions. The
greatest concern is the lack of measures taken to address microbial contamination. People
do not treat their water before use, which may be a major cause of the spread of illnesses
in the city. The data also shows dissatisfaction among the population regarding water
availability and quality, especially in Jungle Khail and Behzadi Checkerkot, which are
experiencing water shortages and quality issues, respectively.
