HYGIENIC INDICATORS OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY AND HEALTH RISKS IN RURAL SETTLEMENTS USING WELL WATER: A CASE STUDY OF FERGANA DISTRICT

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health challenge in rural areas where centralized water supply systems are absent. This study aimed to assess the hygienic quality of drinking water from wells used in rural settlements of Fergana District and to evaluate potential health risks associated with physicochemical and microbiological contamination. Water samples were collected from selected household and public wells and analyzed according to standard hygienic methods. Key indicators included organoleptic properties, physicochemical parameters (pH, total hardness, nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals), and microbiological indicators (total coliforms and Escherichia coli). The results revealed that a significant proportion of samples exceeded recommended hygienic standards, particularly for nitrates and microbiological contamination. Identified health risks included gastrointestinal infections and chronic toxic effects, especially among vulnerable population groups such as children. The findings emphasize the need for systematic hygienic monitoring, improvement of well protection measures, and implementation of local water treatment solutions in rural areas.