Evaluating Seasonal Dynamics of Traditional Drinking Water Sources in Pithoragarh: A Physicochemical and Microbiological Perspective

Abstract

Water is the most widely distributed and abundant substance in nature, but only 3% is fit for human consumption. This study deals with the water quality analysis of the traditional water sources in the Pithoragarh city of Uttarakhand. These water sources are considered sacred traditional sources of drinking water in the Kumaun region. In the present study, samples were taken from 10 different sites and the physicochemical parameters analyzed, isolation, identification, and characteristics of bacteria with the antibiotic’s sensitivity test were tested. The water pH ranges from 6.2 to 7.9, with temperatures of 8-18°C (water) and 10-21°C (air). Total dissolved solids were 114-498 mg/L, dissolved oxygen 5.8-7.4 mg/L, carbon dioxide 0.4-2.8 mg/L, alkalinity 56-202 mg/L, biochemical oxygen demand 1-2.9 mg/L, and electrical conductivity 309-798 μS/cm. ANOVA showed low significance (P<0.05) between water and air temperatures, but highly significant differences (P<0.001) for water temperature with TDS, CO₂, DO, BOD, alkalinity, and EC. Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium were isolated on selective agar, but Yersinia showed no growth across all months and sites. Biochemical tests revealed site-specific bacterial presence, with all five bacteria positive in May and September at site 1 (SD) and varying positive results in summer months across other sites. Negative results were frequent in winter and early spring. The study revealed distinct antibiotic resistance patterns across bacterial species. E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter showed 50-90% resistance to tested antibiotics, with limited susceptibility. Clostridium exhibited the highest resistance, with 90% resistance to Metronidazole and 75% to Vancomycin. This study highlights the urgent need to protect traditional drinking water sources in Pithoragarh by addressing bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance, guiding essential public health interventions.