Abstract

Water quality assessment of treated drinking water is essential, particularly when post-treatment mechanisms like water dispensers are involved. These dispensers are typically made of plastic and often include rapid-sand filtration, yet their impact on water quality is underexplored. This study evaluated the influence of dispensers on cold and hot outlets, comparing results with those of the original water sources. Standard laboratory instruments, including a microscope (Kern Optics) integrated with a cellulose nitrate membrane filter and a pump (Rocker 300), biological reagent (Colilert), a pH meter (HQ40d), and a turbidity meter (2100P TurbidityMeter), were used to assess microparticle concentration, bacterial presence, pH, and turbidity. Results showed a negative effect on microparticle concentration in hot water, with a 70% increase compared with cold outlet and original samples; cold samples showed no increase and matched original samples. Dispensers had minimal influence on pH and turbidity, and no samples tested positive for Escherichia coli. The authors recommend using the cold dispenser outlet or original plastic jugs rather than the dispenser’s hot outlet to reduce exposure to emerging pollutants.