Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak, a faculty member at the University of Cyprus (UKU) Faculty of Engineering, has highlighted the serious public health risks associated with poor drinking water quality, stressing the importance of source protection, effective treatment processes and regular water analysis.
Kıdak identified heavy metals, pesticides, nitrate and nitrite accumulation, and industrial waste as the primary threats to drinking water quality. She noted that prolonged exposure to these substances can cause neurological disorders, kidney and liver damage, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
The professor also warned that high nitrate concentrations in drinking water can interfere with oxygen transport in infants, causing potentially life-threatening health problems. She added that microbiological contamination can arise from sewage leaks, inadequate disinfection and poor hygiene in water storage facilities.
Pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Vibrio cholerae can cause diseases including cholera, typhoid and acute gastroenteritis, Kıdak explained. While chemical contaminants tend to produce effects over a long period of exposure, microbiological contamination can trigger widespread infections within a short time. She underscored that children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to these risks.
Kıdak noted that the Ministry of Health and the Water Works Department conduct periodic analyses of samples taken from reservoirs and distribution networks, which is essential for monitoring water quality. She concluded that sustainable drinking water safety depends on protecting water sources, running treatment facilities efficiently, and continuously monitoring distribution networks, while also urging individuals to clean indoor water tanks and installations regularly, especially during hot weather.
