Bacteriological surveillance of drinking water quality in Chandigarh (North India)

Abstract

Introduction: Water is essential for life; yet global availability to safe drinking water is uneven, exacerbated by climate change, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. Contaminated water sources cause widespread diseases, posing significant public health challenges. Ensuring microbial safety traditionally involves monitoring microorganisms, with coliforms serving as key indicators due to their perennial prevalence in waste and therefore ease of detection. Aims and objectives: To assess the bacteriological quality of water in Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, along with its allied institutes, residential complexes and field practice area. Methodology: This longitudinal study is going on since 2002 but we have focused on recent data spanning from August 2019 to March 2024. The water samples were collected and analyzed for contamination by bacteria in accordance with guidelines of WHO and ICMR for assessment of quality of drinking water. Results: In total, 598 water samples were collected. 15.71% (94 samples) were found contaminated, of which 46.80% showed coliform growth, 39.3% showed Pseudomonas growth, and 13.8% showed both. Contamination fluctuated over the years, with notable increase in Pseudomonas presence. Seasonal variation showed highest contamination in pre-monsoon (20.19%) followed by monsoon season (18.59%). Conclusions: Stringent water quality testing, educating staff and students on water hygiene, collaborating with public health authorities for continuous monitoring of contamination incidents are crucial for safeguarding water quality and ensuring a healthier environment and for posterity as well.