Assessment Of Drinking Water Quality And Hydrogeochemical Characteristics Of Public Water Supply Networks In Viterbo Region, Central Italy

Groundwater is the primary source of domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes in Viterbo region, Central Italy. Unfortunately, in many countries around the world, including Bangladesh, India, China and many other ones drinking water supplies have been contaminated reducing the water quality (Guo et al. 2004). The contamination of major and trace elements in natural water is a risk to the health of millions of people (Khan et al. 2010). Drinking water quality is an issue of concern for human health all over the world (Edmunds and Smedley 2002). Therefore, knowledge of the variation and quality of major and trace elements allows a more efficient management of the water resources. Water quality is influenced by anthropogenic factors and natural processes including irrigation practices, climate, geology, volcanic activities and weathering/dissolution of different rocks and minerals etc. (Newcomb and Rimstidt 2002). Particular attention should be given to water quality issues and its management options all over the world, therefore WHO refers to “control of water supplies to ensure that they are pure and healthy” as one of the primary objectives of public health. The geochemical characteristics (i.e. major ions and toxic trace elements) of groundwater play an important role in classifying and assessing water quality. Concentrations of arsenic in some public supply networks of Viterbo area exceed the allowable limit of 10 μg/l. Recently, the government declared a "state of emergency" due to the presence of “high levels” of arsenic in drinking water (Ergul et al. 2013). The aim of this study is (i) to find out the main geochemical factors controlling the occurrence of major and toxic trace element concentrations in drinking water supply networks and (ii) determination of water quality parameters by comparing the results with different water standards. The results will be useful for effective management of water resources and development of appropriate treatment methods.