AN ASSESSMENT OF PHYSIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF WATER QUALITY IN KOHAT CITY

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.