Water quality characteristics and health risk assessment of main water supply reservoirs in Taizhou City, East China

Taizhou is a typical coastal area in East China where drinking water is mainly supplied by reservoir water. The water quality of the reservoirs may be affected to some extent by human activities and climate. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the water quality characteristics of the main water supply reservoirs in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, and to study the influence of the two rainy periods, the plum rains period and the typhoon rains period, on the water quality of the reservoirs using the entropy water quality index evaluation method. Total non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks from different exposure pathways were assessed for people at different ages. It is found that the water quality of the main water supply reservoirs in Taizhou City is generally good and suitable for drinking, but the water quality of the reservoirs will deteriorate during the rainy seasons. Non-carcinogenic health risks are at acceptable levels for all age groups, but unacceptable high carcinogenic health risks are observed for both children and adults, which is mainly caused by As. Through this study, local decision-makers can be better informed for a better management of surface water resources in this area.