Survey of Marand rural areas technician's about the importance of chlorination for controlling the microbial contamination of drinking water and providing a template for improving existing status.

Abstract

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, drinking water should be free of microbial and hazardous chemicals contaminants; as development and progress is totally depended on human health, the provision of safe drinking water is one of the most important goals in all societies. The objectives of this study was to investigate Marand rural areas technician's knowledge on water chlorination and its role on drinking water microbial quality; finally, based on our findings an appropriate pattern is provided to improve current situation. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 203 questionnaires were completed by Technicians, namely Behvarz and Ab ban, of the rural areas and analyzed by SPSS software version 20. For qualitative monitoring of water resources in villages of Marand city, 88 samples were collected for microbiological analysis and 36 samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters. Statistical analysis and comparison with existing standards were accomplished, finally. Results: The results of this study showed that the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of the Behvarz and Ab ban groups were at a moderate level. Average score of knowledge for Behvarz and Ab ban groups was 7.56 and 6.76, respectively. While, in case of attitude the scores were 54.03 and 53.70, respectively. Comparison of mean scores of these two groups with independent t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the knowledge of Behvarz and Ab ban groups (P-value = 0.007); in case of attitude in the level of α=0.01 statistically significant differences was shown between two groups. Three and 7 percent of samples in spring and summer showed microbial contamination, respectively. The pH of all samples was in the range of standard range (7.1-7.8). In 41% of the cases, the residual free chlorine was in the standard range, while in 59% of the samples, the free chlorine residue was higher or lower than the standard. In 67% of the samples Fluoride ion was in acceptable range of 0.5-1.5 mg/L, while in 33% it was less than desired limit. Other parameters were all at the maximum acceptable level. Discussion and Conclusion: In this study, knowledge, attitude and practice of staff were surveyed. Increasing the level of education of employees increased their knowledge, but not attitude and performance of the staff; therefore, noting to specific characteristics of each water resource it seems necessary to educate technisians for proper chlorination. Also, considering the World Health Organization's guidelines, the microbial quality of rural drinking water in Marand city is in good condition in the spring and summer of 1397.