Abstract
A study has been conducted on the quality of drinking water in villages located in the zones of extreme (Dolon, Bridge, Cheryomushka, Sarzhal) and maximum (Karaul, Kainar) radiation risks in the territory of the Abai region adjacent to the former Semipalatinsk test site. The aim of the work was to evaluate water by indicators of total mineralization (TDS) and the content of basic cations (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium). The analysis of samples taken from the central water supply systems showed that in three settlements (Sarzhal, Kainar, Dolon) the total mineralization exceeds the WHO recommended limit of 1000 mg/l, reaching 1500 mg/l in the village of Dolon. In all the villages studied, except Cheryomushka, an increased sodium content was recorded, while in the villages of Kainar and Dolon its concentration exceeds the established maximum permissible concentration of 200 mg/l. The total hardness of the water in most samples meets the standards, with the exception of the water sample from the village of Dolon, where the water is classified as hard. The water in the village of Cheryomushka, which does not have a central water supply, is characterized by a physiologically insufficient calcium content. The results indicate an unsatisfactory quality of drinking water in most of the studied settlements of the radiation risk zone.