Abstract
<jats:p>This study presents a comprehensive assessment of household and drinking water quality within the centralized water supply system of the Almalinsky district of Almaty. The primary objective was to perform an integrated multi-parameter evaluation of drinking water safety and quality by combining organoleptic, physicochemical, toxicological, and microbiological indicators within a unified analytical framework. Organoleptic characteristics were determined in accordance with current sanitary standards. Physicochemical parameters, including total mineralization, hardness, chloride, nitrate and nitrite content, alkalinity, pH, and permanganate oxidizability, were analyzed using gravimetric, titrimetric, and complexometric methods. Toxicological indicators were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry following acid mineralization. Microbiological safety was evaluated by determining total viable count and the presence of indicator organisms (Escherichia coli, total coliform bacteria, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The results demonstrated compliance of most parameters with established sanitary and hygienic standards. Concentrations of chlorides (29.35–35.75 mg/l), nitrates (5.0–5.7 mg/l), and nitrites (2.7–3.0 mg/l) were significantly below maximum permissible levels. Heavy metal concentrations were within regulatory limits. Water oxidizability ranged from 3.2 to 5.2 mg O2 /l, indicating a low content of oxidizable organic substances. An elevated chromium concentration (0.8 mg/l) was identified, slightly exceeding permissible values and requiring periodic monitoring. Overall, the integrated assessment confirms that drinking water in the Almalinsky district is characterized by satisfactory physicochemical and microbiological quality and is suitable for domestic and drinking use without additional treatment.</jats:p>