Potable water quality characteristics of the urban areas of Peshawar (Pakistan) part 2: well water

Quality characteristics of 30 samples collected from dug wells, open wells and hand pumps of some urban and adjoining areas of Peshawar (Pakistan) were chemically evaluated and the results were compared with WHO potable water quality standards. The studies indicate an increasing trend in magnesium content than calcium. These studies reveal that magnesium in 18 out of 30 samples is higher than calcium as compared to the previously reported results, where quality characteristics of tube well waters were undertaken. Tube well waters reported in part-I of the studies were found to be less polluted compared to the well water in the present studies. These is due to the fact that wells are shallow (<40 feet ) compared to tube wells (= 350 feet)and are therefore more vulnerable to pollution than tube wells. The general public opinion about the water quality has also been discussed. (author)