The bacterial quality of water in selected wells in Kerala : an investigation

Three areas under the Kerala Water Authority in India; Kollam, Thrissur and Kozhikode, were subjected to random well water sampling to determine if the water quality standards met the Bureau of Indian Standards. One hundred and fifty wells were monitored, of which 144 were open wells and six were closed with hand pumps. The parametres tested were pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids and faecal coliforms. All of the open wells were found to have faecal coliform levels well in excess of the Indian Standards, even those with no pit latrines within five metres of the well. Soil type was found to have no significant relevance to this coliform count. One possibly significant factor was the proximity of cattle sheds. Poor maintenance of the wells and the cultural habit of open defecation were suggested as possible other sources of contamination.