Recreational water quality in a forest reserve: a study from Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang

This study evaluated the recreational water quality in Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang, Penang, a popular natural park featuring artificial pools fed by flowing freshwater. Water samples were collected monthly over three months (November 2023 to January 2024) at three stations (upstream, midstream, and downstream) to assess selected physicochemical parameters. Parameters included water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), water transparency, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), nitrite, ammonia, orthophosphate, and chlorophyll-a. Most parameters met Malaysia’s National Water Quality Standards (NWQS) for Water Class IIB, except for pH at midstream and downstream stations, which recorded values below pH 6, possibly due to natural or anthropogenic influences. Station 1 (upstream), where recreational activities were observed, remained within acceptable limits, although pH declined slightly during peak visitor periods. Significant correlations were found between conductivity and TDS (ρ = 0.942, p < 0.01), and between temperature and transparency (ρ = -0.722, p < 0.01). Elevated ammonia and conductivity at Station 3 suggested contamination from a nearby wastewater outlet. Overall, the upstream pool was safe for recreational use, but further monitoring and investigation are recommended, particularly regarding pH variation and the influence of human activity on water quality.