Evaluation of Groundwater Quality for Drinking Purposes Using Water Quality Index in the Suburban Region of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Groundwater remains one of the principal sources of drinking and domestic water in many developing urban and suburban communities. However, inadequate public water supply systems have compelled residents to rely heavily on privately constructed boreholes, often without strict compliance with internationally accepted water quality standards and environmental safety guidelines. The consumption of untreated groundwater from poorly regulated sources may expose communities to serious public health risks associated with physical, chemical, and microbial contamination. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes in the suburban region of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia, using the Water Quality Index (WQI) approach. Water samples were collected from six existing boreholes within the study area in July 2023 and analysed for twenty physicochemical parameters following the standard procedures recommended by the American Public Health Association for water and wastewater examination. Selected water quality parameters were further utilized in computing the Water Quality Index through the weighted arithmetic method. The results revealed that the WQI values ranged from good to poor water quality categories across the sampled locations, with most boreholes exhibiting acceptable groundwater conditions for domestic purposes, while one location showed poor water quality due to proximity to drainage channels and automobile repair activities. The findings indicate that groundwater quality within the study area is moderately affected by anthropogenic activities and local environmental conditions. Although the groundwater is generally suitable for domestic use, treatment methods such as ultraviolet sterilization and chlorination are recommended before consumption to ensure public health safety.