Faecal coliform bacteria found in drinking water pipes in Alwal and Nacharam

Hyderabad: Faecal coliform bacteria has been found in drinking water pipes in Alwal and Nacharam.  The pipes here have leaks or the water is mixing with sewage water according to samples collected by the Institute of Preventive Medicine from September 23. Initial reports suggest the presence of coliform in the water samples.

In July, 131 samples were unsatisfactory as they had higher counts of coliform in 100 ml of water. A total of 1500 samples are collected every month and tested by the water department at IPM. A senior official of IPM said, “Presence of fecal coliforms in drinking water indicates that sewage or drainage water or any other surface water is mixing with the drinking water. Since the beginning of monsoon, we are finding that total coliform is high in certain areas. In this case, the reports are sent to the Water Board and they are asked to investigate further.”

In areas like Shalibanda, Haribowli and Yakutpura, the total coliform was 460 MPN index per 100 ml of water, it was 93 MPN index in 100 ml of water in July. It was the highest in Moghalpura, at 1100 MPN per 100 ml of water in July.

Water analyst at IPM B. Anjaneyulu, said, “It takes us at least five days to test and collect the reports. Wherever it is found to be very high, the Water department is alerted about it immediately. We then compile the reports and send it to the information technology team which uploads it on the website.”

But this process is time consuming and the public do not see them in time to take precautionary steps. A senior health official on condition of anonymity said, “The reports are delayed as they do not want to create a panic situation. But in the present flood situations, water contamination is a major concern and people must exercise extra caution as all the storm water and sewage drains have overflowed in the city.”

Contamination with pathogens due to the heavy floods can’t be ruled out, said senior health officials have been counselling people in health camps to boil water. A senior health officer said, “When the levels of total coliform bacteria are high, it means that there is an elevated risk of water borne diseases like gastroenteritis, Hepatitis A and also Hepatitis B (jaundice). Those who are immune compromised like pregnant woman, seniors, and children, will be affected by drinking this water.”

Experts advice to boil drinking water. The Water Board has also distributed chlorine tablets to be used in water pots in slums.

Discharge of sewage cited as main reason
Improper treatment of sewage or direct discharge of sewage into lakes is also one of the reasons for faecal coliforms to be found in water. When untreated waste from humans, animals and birds mixes with drinking water these bacteria are found to grow.

With the lakes of Alwal and Kapra overflowing there is major worry of water contamination. Also, in Nacharam, water is overflowing from the nala and there is no respite yet which is becoming a major cause of concern for the residents.

 During heavy rainfall the load of fecal coliforms is found to increase in the water, experts said. It is very important that surveillance systems notify this immediately and act on the same. A senior health officer explained, “The reports go only to the water department and they reach health officials at the district medical and health level too late. As communication is not on time targeted precautionary measures are not taken.”