High bacterial content makes water undrinkable in Chennai suburb

The study titled ‘Assessment of water quality standards in the villages of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India’ by Rajkamal R, Kumar M, Raj M, Rajesh M, Kiruthiga J, Bazroy J, analysed 20 drinking water samples from two villages — Villipakkam and Puthirankottai — near Chunampet in Kancheepuram. The samples, collected from water tanks and hand pumps, were sent for physical, chemical and microbiological analysis. 

While the physical parameters such as PH, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were normal, all the water samples (100%) collected from both the villages shows that coliform count is more and found to be unsuitable for drinking. “We also found the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Enterobacter in the water samples,” added the study. The chemical analysis showed that the samples had magnesium (Mg) and bicarbonate (HCO3) levels were above the permissible BIS standards. The study further added, ‘Residents of these villages were unaware of the fact (pollution) and utilizing the water from these sources for drinking and cooking purposes. 

It is known fact that more chances of outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases will occur if the coliform count is more in drinking water. The people in these villages are at risk of almost all water borne diseases.’ Arun Krishnamurthy, Founder of Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), said that letting out sewerage into our drinking water sources is the major cause behind the coliform presence. “Black water from Chennai is dumped into Perumbakkam, which is in the Kancheepuram district. Kancheepuram is a highly populated industrial belt. 

Instances like this should be taken seriously as it can potentially affect a large population,” said the environmentalist. Dr K Kolandaisamy, Director, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said continuous monitoring is done by various agencies to prevent outbreak of diarrhoea, which results from coliform contamination. “We have four labs, which test samples from Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchy and Tirunelveli. We are testing samples twice a month and any water contamination is dealt with promptly. We have asked sanitary inspectors to ensure chlorination of water supply,” added the official. Dr P Basumani, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist at Fortis Malar, said while coliform can lead to diarrhoea and related infections, the presence of heavy metals can result in greater health damage over the long run. “In rare cases, some form of coliform — like E.coli 057 from contaminated meat — can cause life threatening illness. Also, heavy metals like Magnesium can lead to memory problems, nerve issues and even cancer,” he concluded.