OBJECTIVE: Hence, the present review aims to provide an understanding of drinking water (tap water, groundwater, gravity feed system) quality and its potential implications on policy, human health, and drinking water management law and identification of potential direction of future drinking water research and management needs in Malaysia.
METHODS: This study utilized a scoping review method. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews was used for search strategy. Relevant studies were screened using the selected keywords and databases.
RESULTS: A total of 26 drinking water quality studies involving tap water, groundwater, and gravity feed systems have been selected for review. These studies found that the majority of Malaysian Drinking Water and WHO Drinking Water standards have been met. High levels of Cu, Cd, Fe and Pb were attributable to galvanized plumbing and pipe material corrosion. Variation of fluoride in tap water depends on dosage planning and operational processes of the public water supply. Pollutants (nitrate and ammonia) in groundwater and gravity feed system water have been linked to agricultural practices in rural areas. Microbiological quality in tap water is associated with growing biofilms inside the pipelines while in groundwater is caused by shallow surface events. However, only eight studies have reported about the human risks of chemical pollutants in tap water.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The review discusses the state of drinking water quality in Malaysia and its impact on public health. It suggests that policymakers can use this information to improve the quality of drinking water and enforce restrictions, while also raising public awareness about the importance of safe drinking water. The study can guide future research and initiatives in Malaysia, ultimately contributing to efforts to ensure access to clean and dependable drinking water.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Water samples were subjected to in situ and laboratory water quality analyses and focused on pH, turbidity, chlorine, Escherichia coli, total coliform, total hardness, iron (Fe), aluminium (Al), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na). All procedures followed the American Public Health Association (APHA) testing procedures.
RESULTS: Based on the results obtained, the values of each parameter were found to be within the safe limits set by the NDWQS except for total coliform and iron (Fe). PCA has indicated that turbidity, total coliform, E. coli, Na, and Al were the major factors that contributed to the drinking water contamination in river water intake.
CONCLUSION: Overall, the water from all sampling point stations after undergoing water treatment process was found to be safe as drinking water. It is important to evaluate the drinking water quality of the treatment plant to ensure that consumers have access to safe and clean drinking water as well as community awareness on drinking water quality is essential to promote public health and environmental protection.