Study of potable water quality in peripheral areas of Aizawl city in Mizoram

Potable water quality and quantity is one of the most important topics of study in today’s world. More and more techniques for efficient use of water are required throughout the world, especially in developing countries like India. The present study was conducted to analyse the quality of potable water sources use by the citizens of Aizawl district in the state of Mizoram, India. Number of samples was collected from surrounding areas of Greater Aizawl in pre cleaned polyethylene bottles as recommended in the WHO standards and recommendations. Various physico-chemical properties (pH, turbidity, total hardness, chloride, free chlorine, iron, nitrate and total dissolved solids) were studied. The samples were analyzed in the field using handheld meters for pH, turbidity, total hardness and TDS and were then also analyzed in the laboratory to confirm the field results. The other chemical parameters were tested in the laboratory using standard and recommended techniques. The pH values ranged from 6.48 to 7.54. TDS values ranged from 30 to 430ppm. Total hardness ranged from 30 to 60 mg/l. Chloride content in the samples was found to be between the values of 15.5 to 80 ppm. Iron and nitrate were found only in trace quantities in all the samples. In surrounding areas of the city, proper development of perennial springs would serve as the main source of water supply to the local population. Some samples which contained higher concentrations of chloride could have been contaminated from sewage water or waste water leakage. Other than that, the quality of water was within the limits of WHO standards.