Investigation of some microbiological (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Coliform bacteria) and physicochemical parameters of water in the water systems located at Kezer Campus of Siirt University

Although a large portion of the Earth's surface is covered by water, freshwater reserves suitable for human use are quite limited. By 2030, global water demand is expected to increase by 55%, and water scarcity is predicted to reach 40%. While Turkey may seem to have sufficient water resources, an examination of per capita water availability reveals otherwise. In this study, water samples were collected from 23 buildings located on the Siirt University Kezer Campus and analyzed microbiologically, physically, and chemically in accordance with the Turkish Ministry of Health's "Regulation on Water for Human Consumption" and the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) "TS-266 Standard for Water Intended for Human Consumption." The study found no growth of coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the samples. For other parameters, the following values were measured: pH ranged from 7,56 to 8,38, electrical conductivity from 224 to 379 µS/cm, nitrite from 0,013 to 0,021 mg/L, nitrate from 0,52 to 0,60 mg/L, iron from 0,02 to 0,09 mg/L, and manganese from 0,01 to 0,02 mg/L. These values were found to comply with the Ministry of Health's regulations, the TS-266 standard, as well as World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) standards. However, turbidity analysis revealed that water samples from some locations exceeded the upper limit values set by the relevant regulations and standards. In conclusion, the water in the buildings on the Siirt University Kezer Campus was deemed safe for use as drinking and utility water.