Sanitary evaluation of the water from water intake points situated in Gorzow Wielkopolski and neighbouring localities

Water is an essential component necessary for sustaining life. Nevertheless, it may pose a serious threat to human life resulting from possible occurrence of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, monitoring and continuous microbial surveillance of the water intended for consumption is extremely important. The requirements referring to qualitative parameters which should be met by water are set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 29 March 2007, as amended on 20 April 2010, and the EU directives. The quality of water being supplied to consumers depends on many factors, among other on the type of water intake (surface water or groundwater), efficiency of water treatment and disinfection, and technical condition of the water supply network. The analysis of the sanitary condition of drinking water has been conducted form water intakes in the city of Gorzow Wielkopolski, ie Centralny Kosynierow Gdynskich intake, Klodawa intake and Siedlice intake, and in neighbouring localities, ie. Maszewo and Marwice. The research material was raw and treated water samples. The population size of Faecal streptococci, coliform bacteria, including E. coli, and total mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria counts was determined. The analysis of the sanitary condition of drinking water has been conducted. The number of coliform bacteria, including E. coli, and streptococci was determined by the method of membrane filters, whereas total mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria counts using the plate method under incubation conditions conforming to the standards. The presence of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria was observed in all examined water intake points. Differences in their counts over the whole year being significant. In three research points, ie Centralny Kosynierow Gdynskich intake, Maszewo intake and Marwice intake, psychrophilic bacteria count was exceeded (100 CFU cm). In the case of pathogenic bacteria, their occurrence was occasionally observed in the drinking water intake points. The water treatment processes applied and, as the final result, water sanitary assessment according to the existing standards and the provision stipulated allow it to be collected for consumption purposes and do not pose the threat to human health and life.