Assessing the quality of water output from desalination plants and water tankers in Qom and comparison with national standards and WHO

With the increase in recent droughts and shortage of drinking water resources led to planning to desalinate water and set up mobile stations. The purpose of this study is to determine the microbial and physicochemical quality of water discharged from desalination plants and tankers in Qom.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for one year with monthly sampling of water from domestic water purifiers and mobile tankers. Samples were analyzed for microbial contamination and physicochemical quality (pH, TDS, turbidity and chlorination) according to standard methods. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel software and compared with the standards.

Positive values of fecal coliform contamination was 13.34% in tankers and 4.35% in domestic water purifiers. The pH, TDS, turbidity was in accordance with the national and WHO standards. T-TEST statistical analysis showed, microbial quality of water had a significant relation with variables of dewatering containers (P<0.021), tank washing (P<0.001), outlet valve contamination (P<0.011), contact with dust (P<0.014), the personal health of the distributor (P<0.026), temperature (P<0.033), water retention time (P<0.019) and environmental sanitation (P<0.003). ). . But there was no significant difference in the distribution of water between tankers and desalination plants (P < 0.068).

By preventing secondary pollution, the water quality of these places can be considered desirable. Therefore, periodic and regular water evaluation and training on maintenance and health issues should always be considered