Regular spatial and temporal assessment of freshwater resources used for drinking water is essential for ensuring water quality and protecting public health. This study evaluated changes in key water quality parameters using a GIS-based IDW interpolation method. Water samples were collected from four drinking water sources during the wet and dry seasons of 2017 and 2020 and analyzed for 10 water quality parameters using the Palin test method. Spatial analysis showed that the northwestern area consistently exhibited the highest concentrations of TDS, EC, NO₃ − , PO₄ 3 − , Ca 2 + , and Mg 2 + in both 2017 and 2020, particularly during wet seasons. The results revealed that the mean concentrations of most parameters increased from 2017 to 2020, except for pH, indicating a general deterioration in water quality. In 2017, all parameters met drinking water standards except pH, which fell outside acceptable limits at 50% of sampling points during the dry season, while EC exceeded allowable limits at all sites in both seasons. By 2020, turbidity met standards during the dry season at most sites but exceeded permissible limits at 75% of sampling points in the wet season. In addition, PO₄ 3 − at S4, and EC and pH at nearly all sampling points in both seasons, exceeded acceptable thresholds. These findings highlight that both anthropogenic and natural factors are contributing to the observed deterioration in water quality. Therefore, strengthened land-use regulation, continuous monitoring, improved treatment strategies, and integrated watershed management are essential to ensure a potable and sustainable drinking water supply.
Abayneh Agumass Amogne (Wed,) studied this question.
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