Abstract
Renewable water resources in Saudi Arabia are limited with groundwater as the major source for water supply. This study was conducted to assess the quality of groundwater in Almadinah Almunawarah, Saudi Arabia. Water samples were collected from 60 wells in 2010. Physical and chemical parameters were examined. The results of colour, turbidity, odour, pH, and nitrite in all samples were below the local drinking water guideline values. The fluoride concentrations in 8% of the samples were higher than the guideline value. The taste in 87% of the samples was unacceptable. Intolerable levels of both total hardness and TDS were found in most of the samples (similar to 83%). Nitrate levels were above the guideline value in 65% of sample. Most of the samples (80-87%) have failed the guidelines for sodium, chloride, and sulfate. On the other hand, none of the samples was found to contain Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, and Pb exceeding the guideline values. However, 5% of the samples have As concentrations over the limit (results 12.0-29.0 mu g L-1). Similarly, 5% of the samples have Fe concentrations (320-589 mu g L-1) in excess of the guideline value. The level of Mn in only one sample (183 mu g L-1) was greater than the guideline value and 10% of the samples have Mg (range 159000-210000 mu g L-1) above the limit. Although the water of the investigated wells does not satisfy many of the general drinking water guidelines due to the local environment and climate, most of the samples are in compliance with the guideline values for metals in drinking and irrigation water.