Bacteriological quality of drinking water of Sukkur City

ABSTRACT

To determine the bacteriological quality of drinking water of Sukkur city. A descriptive study was carried out at the Department of Microbiology, Diagnostic and Research Centre, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh from January to December 2007. A total of 120 samples were analyzed by membrane filter method. Drinking water samples from main storage, distribution line and consumer taps were analyzed. All 120 samples [100%] were found contaminated with total coliform bacteria and 98 [82%] samples were found to be contaminated with thermotolerant Escherichia coli. Chlorine [residual] was not found in any of the samples. Drinking water samples were heavily contaminated with coliform and faecal coliform organisms making it unsuitable for drinking. Pakistan population should be encouraged to use boiled water for drinking, till the time that safe drining water is made available to all