The quality of water from artesian drinking fountains in the city of Zaječar

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the sanitary (health) aspect of the quality of drinking water collected from 31 artesian fountains in the City of Zaječar. The analyses included the monitoring of bacteriological, physical and physicochemical parameters according to the Regulation on the hygienic quality of drinking water (Official Gazette of the Republic Serbia, number 42/98 and 44/99). The satisfactory quality of the water samples from the artesian drinking fountains, according to the existing legal basis in our country, was established for 72.14% of samples in 2013 and 72.42% of samples in 2014. The leading causes of unsatisfactory water quality from artesian drinking fountains were physicochemical parameters, increased pH values, turbidity and noticeable color. Keywords: artesian drinking fountain, alternative water supplies, hygienic quality of drinking water, sustainability of water resources.