The aim of this work: analyze and evaluate quality and safety of drinking water in Lazdijai and Alytus districts watering-places in year 2007–2009.

In order to find out the quality of centrally supplied drinking water in Lazdijai and Alytus districts in year 2007–2009, analysis of water exploration results was carried out. Water quality was analysed according to the microbiological indicators: number of intestinal bacilli (E. coli), number of intestinal enterococi; indicated indicators: dalles of smell and taste, concentration of hydrogen ion, color, turbidity, specific conductivity, ammonia content, permanganate index, chloride content, total iron content; toxic (chemical) indicators: nitrate and nitrite levels. Statistical annual reports and study protocols of year 2007–2009 of Alytus district Public food and veterinary office were examined.

36,7 per cent of Alytus district residents used publicly supplied drinking water, while only 25,9 per cent of Lazdijai district population were provided with publicly supplied drinking water in year 2009. The majority of 81,6 per cent Lazdijai district and 98,1 per cent Alytus town and district food production companies used publicly supplied drinking water.

From 110 water samples of Lazdijai district watering-places, 4 (3,64 percent) were with intestinal bacilli. During the analyzed period were examined 287 samples in Alytus district, intestinal enterococci in 5 (1,73 per cent) were wound. There were found intestinal enterococci in 4 (3,74 per cent) water samples from 107 examined in Lazdijai watering-places. There were analysed 284 water samples of Alytus district waterin-places during the analyzed period, intestinal enterococci detected in 7 (2,46 per cent).

From 39 Lazdijai district watering-places tested water in respect of taste and smell only a third (13) is acceptable to consumers without irregular changes. From 104 Alytus district tested water samples over a quarter (30) is acceptable to consumers. Comparing the analysis results of year 2007 with year 2009 shows that amount of samples exceeding the allowed turbidity level decreased 41,5 per cent in Lazdijai district and 26,7 per cent in Alytus district. 182 samples were tested, allowed HN 24:2003 specifications didn’t meet two Alytus district watering-places: Pivašiūnai pH 5,47 and Mikolavas pH 5,44 water samples. Looking at the overall three year average in both districts shows that ⅔ of tested water samples exceeded total iron MAA (maximum allowed amount). More than in half of performed water analysis of Lazdijai and Alytus districts watering-places ammonium exceeded maximum allowed amount.

Analysis of Alytus and Lazdijai district watering-places water testing results showed that nitrite and nitrate levels didn’t exceed MAA in none of the watering-places.

Raktažodžiai: drinking water quality, drinking water safety, analyze, evaluate