DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i12.014

Pages: 913-919

Pollution of potable water is a very serious issue which has received world wide attention. Occasionally, it has been learnt through the media that out break of epidemics occur in the west Kochi area and the same is reported to be due to the microbial contamination of drinking water. The present project is an attempt to analyze the material facts of the reports and also to understand how the supply system gets contaminated before it reaches west Kochi area. Hence the present study deals with the microbial load of the water from various sources of supply system from different sampling points between Aluva and West Kochi. In the present study the quality of drinking water from Municipal water supply was assessed by analyzing the samples for various microbial after growths. Eleven sampling points between Aluva and West Kochi were identified to collect water samples for the analysis. Samples were collected under aseptic conditions at an interval of two weeks during August and September. These samples were analyzed for pH, BOD, COD, TPC, E.coli, Pseudomonas and iron reducing bacteria. It was found that water in West Kochi area alone was mostly contaminated with E.coli. It was observed that the contamination is mainly due to the extensive corrosion of the pipelines at West Kochi area, which is thought to cause microbial aftergrowth. The pipes are laid close to the sewage canals which may contribute to the water contamination by the microorganisms due to back siphoning. So the concerned authorities should take necessary steps for the renewal of the pipes to face the challenges of outbreak of water borne epidemics. It is advisable to take boiled water for drinking purposes in this area.