Analysis on the Quality of Drinking Water in the Urban Area of Jiangxi Province in 2011-2012

Objectives To analyze the quality of drinking water in the urban area of Jiangxi Province in 2011-2012, and to provide scientific basis to ensure the drinking water safety for urban residents.

Methods The finished water and peripheral water samples collected from municipal water supply, centralized water supply and secondary water supply were detected and evaluated.

Results The total qualified rate of 3 777 samples was 92%. The unqualified items of secondary water supply were total coliform bacteria, total plate count, ammonia nitrogen, opacity, pH, free chlorine and chlorine dioxide. The unqualified items of centralized water supply were total coliform bacteria, total plate count, opacity, pH, Al, Fe, free chlorine and heptachlor. The quality of tap water from the municipal water supply might be affected by the aging and corrosion of water pipe networks.

Conclusions The quality of tap water from municipal centralized water supply was better than the self-built centralized water supply and secondary water supply. The supervision and management of all urban water supply units should be strengthened.