Hygienic and health risk assessment of water supply systems in zones influenced by large agricultural productions

The research objects in this study are represented by some areas in Bashkortostan, which adjoin zones influenced by large agricultural productions; water from water sources used by people for drinking, household, cultural and recreational needs; sanitary-epidemiological indicators of water quality that describe pollution of water sources; levels of health risks associated with drinking water quality. The aim of this study is to perform hygienic assessment, health risk assessment included, of water supply systems in zones influenced by large agricultural productions as a basis for substantiating relevant measures aimed at providing hygienic safety for the population (exemplified by Bashkortostan). We have performed sanitary-hygienic assessment of water resources located in close proximity to agricultural productions including water in surface water objects, underground water sources of non-centralized water supply (wells and springs) and centralized water supply systems. Existing sanitary-hygienic problems were found and described; substantiation was provided for the necessity to organize and implement activities aimed at preventing and mitigating health risks for population. We established main sources and reasons for occurrence of adverse chemicals and pathogens in water objects in areas where animal husbandry, poultry and vegetable-growing farms are located; substantiated a list of priority indicators recommended for control of water quality in various water sources; determined relevant safety criteria that describe adverse impacts exerted by polluted water on human health. We have established that water quality deviating from safe standards creates elevated health risks in the analyzed areas and can make for growing incidence of non-communicable and communicable diseases among population. Hygienic recommendations and targeted measures have been developed based on our findings; they are aimed at reducing the existing technogenic burden on water objects in areas with developed agricultural industry. The obtained data are recommended to be used by institutions, bodies and organizations responsible for the state sanitary-epidemiological and environmental surveillance over water quality in water objects located in areas influenced by agricultural productions.