An assessment of water quality and handling technique among residents of a selected urban slum in the Doiwala block of district Dehradun

Background: Urban slum communities in developing countries face significant water quality challenges, with inadequate supply and contamination posing major public health risks. This study assessed water quality parameters and their association with waterborne disease burden in Keshavpuri Basti, an urban slum in Doiwala block, Dehradun, located near the polluted Song River. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 systematically sampled households. A total of 87 water samples were collected using stratified spatial gridding from household taps, storage containers, public handpumps, five Song River sites, and commercial water tankers. Physical and chemical parameters were assessed using EPA-compliant methods. A semi-structured questionnaire collected socio-demographic information and residents' two-week disease history. Results: Water quality analysis showed that pH (6.3), hardness (216.67 mg/L), mercury (0.0024 mg/l), sulphate (256.57 mg/l), and alkalinity (200.64 mg/l) exceeded permissible limits. Lead and nitrate levels approached safety thresholds. Among 180 households, diarrhoea was reported by 34.44% of respondents, skin problems by 28.34%, and ear infections by 11.11% during the preceding two weeks. Under-5 mortality was 11.11%. Notably, 96.11% of residents used no recognized water purification method. Conclusions: The findings indicate substantial water quality degradation and a considerable disease burden in Keshavpuri Basti. Urgent interventions are needed to improve water infrastructure, promote household water treatment, and strengthen public health policies targeting vulnerable urban slum populations.