5. CONCLUSION
The comprehensive analysis of drinking water samples from Sector H-13, Islamabad, reveals that, while most samples are within the permissible limits set by both WHO and Pak-EPA standards, a few samples (notably TIR-6 and TIR-9) show elevated concentrations of heavy metals and some physical and chemical parameters. Physical parameters such as pH, TDS, and EC are largely suitable, with only slight exceed in specific samples. Chemical parameters also mostly align with regulatory limits, though total hardness in certain samples suggests the presence of mineral deposits possibly of geological origin.
The enhanced levels of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Mn and Zn in samples TIR-6 and TIR-9 indicate localized pollution from industrial effluent or from the usage of metallic agricultural inputs or from near infrastructure. The HPI assessment reveals that although the majority of the samples have low risk, the high HPI of TIR-6 and TIR-9 require the focus of the health hazards to be prioritized and addressed. Hence, combining the results that show that currently the water quality in the Sector H-13 is fairly safe the positive contamination hot spots should underline the necessity of continuous water quality assessment and control measures in order to provide the community with safe drinking water.
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