A study was carried out to assessment the quality of drinking water supplied by Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Azad Kashmir of District Mirpur. The water samples of all sources like, storage tanks, supply tanks, tube wells and springs of above mentioned town are collected, preserved scientifically in the months of May and June, 2014 and analysed in EPA lab. Physicochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, hardness and total dissolved solids), bacteriological parameters (total coliform) were tested for each sample and values compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water. In the distribution system, physicochemical quality of water was satisfactory while some samples contained bacteriological contamination. In the study area, improper disposal of sewage and solid wastes, over application of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilizers), deteriorating condition of piping network and transportation were the major sources responsible for contamination of drinking water. Water contamination with coliform bacteria was the main source of waterborne diseases like gastroenteritis, dysentery and diarrhea. In order to reduce the health risk, it is necessary to immediately stop the uses of drinking water from contaminated sources and government should supply treated/clean water with supply lines far away from solid waste, sludge and sewage sites. The farmers should be properly trained to avoid the overusing of agrochemicals responsible for drinking knowledge through awareness and training programs needed for sustainable use and management of drinking water. It is recommended to carry out compulsory chlorination at water sources while maintaining reasonable residuals at the consumers’ end to eliminatethe bacteriological contamination.

Keywords: Drinking water quality, mirpur city, water plooution