Eureka! Institutional Repository

Water Quality indices are a useful tool in assessing environmental impacts and drinking water quality. A modification of the Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI) has been applied in water quality data from a regional area in Halkidiki, Greece, in order to provide a simple tool for assessing water quality. Multivariate statistical analysis, cluster analysis, was also performed as a complementary tool for the investigation of the physicochemical characteristics of water sources in the area. Water supplies concerned both community water supplies and ground water. The parameters analyzed were conductivity, pH, hardness, metal cations, residual chloride, total coliforms and total number of aerobic microorganisms at 22οC and 36οC. The CWQI is based on the calculation of the values that exceed the legal limits and meets the requirements of the recent European Union Directive 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption. The new Directive introduces two important issues a) safety risk assessment and b) communication of water quality results to the public. The present work provides a comprehensive tool for the analysis of water quality data sets on a risk-based approach to water safety for human consumption. Water Quality Index and cluster analysis methodology can support and facilitate remedial actions, quality monitoring programs and communication of the results to stakeholders and consumers.