HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION AND DRINKING WATER SURVEILLANCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE.

ABSTRACTHeavy metal contamination in drinking water poses a significant public health risk in developing countries where access to safe and clean water is limited due to inadequate infrastructure, poor surveillance systems and environmental negligence.This review explores the sources of heavy metals contamination (lead,arsenic, cadmium,mercury, chromium,iron and copper) in water supplies across developing countries. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, mining and poor waste management practices are identified as primary contributors to elevated metal concentrations in water bodies. Prolonged exposure to these metals even at low levels is associated with severe health conditionsincluding neurological damage, kidney disease and cancers. It also evaluates the existing drinking water surveillance programs in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, India and Brazil and the challenges faced by these countries in monitoring and mitigating water contamination, including limited technical capacity, insufficient funding and weak regulatory enforcement.While some progress has been made through national initiatives and international support, many systems remain underdeveloped and fragmented. This review emphasizes the urgent need for integrated strategies to improve water quality. It also highlights the role of international organizations in supporting local efforts through funding, technical assistance and advocacy.Ultimately, protecting drinking water from heavy metal contamination requires coordinated efforts among governments, communities and global partners to ensure universal access to safe and clean water.