[This dataset is embargoed until May 5, 2026]. These datasets contain information about the physicochemical properties of water samples taken from Pondicherry and Chennai in 2023 and 2024. Water samples were collected from river, lake, canal and tank water bodies in Pondicherry and Chennai, with locations selected due to their proximity to antimicrobial manufacturing sites. The physicochemical properties of each sample were analysed to determine water quality at each site and how this may be impacted by local antimicrobial pollution. Variables such as; temperature, oxidation reduction potential, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen content, conductivity, resistivity, total dissolved solids, atmospheric pressure and seawater sigma were accounted for. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/62fe92d8-db54-4285-9617-573e77a55c4b