The city of Vadodara, India, is experiencing a high prevalence of kidney stone disease (KSD). Suspected links between water quality—especially parameters such as hardness, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, and electrical conductivity—and kidney stone formation prompted this focused study. This study aims to explore the correlation between water quality factors and the rising incidence of kidney stone cases in Vadodara, with a focus on developing appropriate water management strategies to mitigate the problem. Samples of water from various locations within Vadodara were analysed for hardness, TDS, pH, and electrical conductivity. Health and community data on KSD were collected to evaluate the prevalence. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate correlations. A significant association between elevated levels of water hardness and TDS (above 5 ppm) with kidney stone occurrences was observed. Conversely, pH and electrical conductivity showed no significant correlation. The study highlights certain Vadodara localities as high-risk areas due to suboptimal water sources. Improving water hardness and TDS management may reduce the prevalence of KSD. Public health interventions focusing on water treatment could contribute significantly to the prevention of kidney stones

Kidney Stone Disease (KSD), Water Quality, Water Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH Levels, Vadodara, India

This study has highlighted the critical role that water quality, particularly hardness and TDS levels, plays in the occurrence of kidney stones in Vadodara. The clear correlation between increased water hardness and higher kidney stone rates emphasizes the urgent need for targeted public health actions (Mirzazadeh et al., 2012). Adjusting water treatment protocols and educating the community on the importance of consuming treated water, especially through methods like reverse osmosis, are key steps toward lowering kidney stone risks. Ongoing research is necessary to further elucidate these connections and to design focused strategies that will effectively curb kidney stone prevalence in areas impacted by poor water quality (Shuster et al., 1982). This research not only advances our understanding of nephrolithiasis but also underscores the significant link between environmental factors and disease prevention, advocating for proactive measures in public health

Rani Kadam and Ajit Gangawane (2023). Exploring the Link Between Water Quality and Kidney Stone Formation in Vadodara: Emphasis on Hardness, TDS, pH, and Conductivity. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3a): 80-84