How safe is the safe water supply

Abstract

A total of 1200 drinking water samples from various water sources in Amritsar district, were analyzed to assess bacteriological quality of water. Presumptive coliform count by multiple tube test was done. The study revealed that 570 (47.5%) samples were unfit for human consumption. Of all the samples tested, 63/110(57.3%) samples from religious places, 28/56(50%) from hospitals, 25/50(50%) from bus stands/railway stations, 84/190(44.4%) from schools, 32/100(32%) from BSF checkposts, 5/19(26.5%) from hotels and 3/25(12%) from ice factories were found to be unsatisfactory. Out of the 570 unsatisfactory samples detected, 72% samples from submersible pumps,50% from hand pumps, 45.4% from taps,29.2% from tube wells and 28.5% from domestic tap supply were found to be contaminated. On Eijkman test 20/25(80%) of the suspicious samples turned out to be unsatisfactory. So, availability of safe drinking water still remains a much sought after commodity for majority of public in developing countries like India. Source of support: Govt. of Punjab (India)