ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLY IN RURAL SETTLEMENTS USING A RISKBASED APPROACH

Abstract

Ensuring access to safe drinking water is a key priority of public health and environmental safety policies. Nitrates are among the most common contaminants, especially in decentralized water sources such as wells and boreholes. High nitrate levels in water pose significant health risks, including the development of methemoglobinemia, carcinogenic effects, and impacts on the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. The study covers 12 territorial communities in the Zhytomyr district. Between 2020 and 2023, water samples from private wells and boreholes were collected and analyzed for nitrate content using the ionometric method. Results revealed that the average nitrate level exceeded the normative value (50 mg/dm3) in all communities. The maximum concentration reached 660 mg/dm3 in the village of Veresy, Zhytomyr community, exceeding the normative limit by 13 times. A risk-oriented approach was used to categorize communities into risk zones: acceptable risk (Zhytomyr, Lyubar, Novohuivynske, Berezivka, Hlybochytsіa, Stanyshivka, Teterivka communities) and critical risk (Pulynу, Cherniakhivka, Vilshanka, Volytsіa, and Oliiv communities). None of the communities fell into the no-risk or catastrophic zones. Statistical analysis, including regression modeling, confirmed significant exceedances of permissible levels. The actual average nitrate concentrations across the studied communities ranged from 28.2 to 301.7 mg/dm3. A Pareto chart indicated that 59% of the samples exceeded the established norm, highlighting the scale of the issue. The study results emphasize the need for effective monitoring and measures to reduce nitrate contamination in drinking water. The application of a risk-oriented approach optimizes water quality control, minimizes environmental and social risks, and contributes to improving public health and the sustainable development of rural areas in the Zhytomyr district.