Analysis on Quality of Drinking Water in a County of Northwest China

Objectives  To determine the quality of drinking water in a county of northwest China by examination of the levels of 9 cations, pH and turbidity in water samples.

Methods  A total of 159 water samples were collected from three townships in the county; 41 cellar water, 10 spring water and 2 tap water samples were selected according to the proportion of the water used by local people. A total of 13 indictors, including orgaoleptic properties and general chemical constituents, were determined. The accuracy and precision of the method were tested for getting the best working condition of different instruments.

Results  The turbidity and appearance in cellar and spring waters were all exceeded the standard limits, the odor and taste and iron level of cellar water were all exceeded the standard limits, and the levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, sodium, nickel and lead were all determined in water samples. Cadmium had not been found at (μg/L) level.

Conclusions  The evaluation on the quality of drinking water in the county would provide some scientific recommendations for local drinking water safety projects.