<p>Environmental contamination, particularly in groundwater, has significantly increased in urban areas affected by multi-industrial and commercial operations, as well as agricultural practices carried out in peri-urban areas of Faisalabad. To assess the quality of groundwater in Faisalabad, composite samples (<i>n</i> = 24) were collected at depths of 10–120 feet from rural, urban, industrial, and urban complex zones. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to assess the content of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The source apportionment model identified agricultural practices (29%), inadequate waste management systems (19%), and industrial discharges (37%) as primary contributors to groundwater contamination. The results reveal that the maximum concentrations were As (2.28&#xa0;µg/L), Cr (32.9&#xa0;µg/L), Cu (174.8&#xa0;µg/L), Mn (230.8&#xa0;µg/L), Ni (2.9&#xa0;µg/L), Pb (0.97&#xa0;µg/L), and Zn (2240&#xa0;µg/L), all below the acceptable levels established by Pak-EPA and the World Health Organization. The water quality heavy metal pollution index (HPI) values ranged from 12 to 92, remaining below the significant threshold of 100. The metal index (MI) values exceeded one (1) in industrial areas, indicating slight contamination. From a health perspective, children hazard index (HI &gt; 1) threshold level values were attained at places I1 to I4 and I6, as well as total cancer risk at industrial sites in adults (2.6 × 10⁻⁴) and children (1.2 × 10⁻⁴) was above the acceptable limit (1 × 10⁻⁴), except other sites, which fell within the safe limits. The elevated hazard index in children and the cancer risk exceeding the acceptable limit at industrial sites demonstrate a public health concern that must be addressed. To ensure safe groundwater supply and long-term water security in the Faisalabad region, strict regulations on industrial effluent and solid waste management are necessary, as these are major sources of contamination.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>