Physico-chemical and microbial assessment of drinking water sources across world's largest glacial deposits in Karakoram Mountain Ranges, Pakistan

Karakoram Mountain Ranges, Pakistan harbor largest glacial deposits in the world outside poles. They are key source of life and livelihoods of more than 15 million people living downstream. Water samples tested for physico-chemical and microbial health revealed severe bacterial contamination. A total Bacterial count, occurrence of E. coli and Enterococci in alpine origin sources indicate their vulnerability and undesirable human interferences into fragile mountain ecosystems making them unsafe for consumption. However, chemical ingredients found within the specified water quality limitation. Water sources need proper attention to mitigate frequency and prevalence of water borne diseases in the area.