Drinking Water Quality Assessment in Tetova Region

Problem statement: The quality of drinking water is a crucial factor for human health. The objective of this study was the assessment of physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of the drinking water in the city of Tetova and several surrounding villages in the Republic of Macedonia for the period May 2007-2008. The sampling and analysis are conducted in accordance with State Regulation No. 57/2004, which is in compliance with EU and WHO standards. A total of 415 samples were taken for chemical, physical and bacteriological analysis. Approach: We had used the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI) for the quality assessment of drinking water. Results: The results of the samples taken in Tetova point to better hygienic and sanitary conditions than in the rural drinking network, mainly due to improper disinfection practices. The results show that the highest water quality was recorded at the SEEU (DWQI = 92.69), whereas the lowest quality at Shipkovica (DWQI = 63.18). Conclusion: This study strongly recommends the immediate correction of these issues to protect the health of population from water borne diseases as well as regular monitoring of the drinking water quality in the region.