PROBLEMS OF USING SOURCES OF DECENTRALIZED WATER SUPPLY IN THE SOUTH OF THE TOMSK REGION

Abstract

Introduction. Sources of non-centralized water supply are the most important resource of drinking water for the population of rural areas. As a rule, water is taken from small depths, which makes it vulnerable to pollution. This type of water use is characterized by the absence of any preliminary water treatment. The constant use of groundwater for drinking can negatively affect the health of the local population since the indicators of its chemical and microbiological composition are not controlled in any way and do not always meet the quality standards. All this determines the relevance of the research conducted in the territory of the Tomsk District (Tomsk Region). Methods. Groundwater quality was assessed by comparing the concentrations of substances in the studied water samples with the background values established for the given territory in relation to Sanitary Norms and Regulations as well as microbiological indicators. Changes in the chemical and microbiological composition of the studied water, caused by economic activity, were taken as “pollution” as compared to the natural (background) state for this territory as well as sanitary and hygienic standards. Results. According to the results of studying the chemical composition of water, high levels of the following components were observed: total hardness, Na+, K+, SO42–, Cl–, NO3–, Fe, and Mn. As for NO3–, Fe, and Mn, their concentrations exceed manifold not only the background values but also the maximum allowable concentrations for drinking water. Microbiological analysis showed a large number of microorganisms from various physiological groups, which indicates a high degree of bacterial contamination of water. We present possible reasons for the input of pollutants into the water and review briefly the adverse health effects. Conclusion. In order to prevent the possible negative impact of excessive contents of various components in the chemical composition of water on the health of the local population, preliminary water treatment using available methods is recommended.