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.