Microbiological Analysis of Chlorinated Water Supplied in Jaipur.

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). In almost all cases the effect is damaging not only to individual species and populations, but also to the natural biological communities. All people live downstream of water supplies. Hence, the quality of water depends on the maintenance of water supply network. During the lateral travel of water it may contaminated by various microorganisms. This polluted and contaminated water affects the consumer's health and cause various water borne diseases. Therefore, in present study, the level of faecal coliform in water distribution network of Jaipur is evaluated in 12 different areas of Jaipur city. Residual chlorine and faecal coliform bacteria was analyzed. Interestingly, it was found that residual chlorine was present in permissible limit in all areas, however, showing the presence of microbes and coliforms. Out of 12 sites selected, 8 sites were found to have coliform bacteria showing the possibility of contamination of water supply by sewage discharges which come in contact with supplied water due to leakage in pipes. In 4 areas, however microbial contamination by Gram positive bacteria was observed instead of coliforms. In these four areas water may be polluted during its flow off from polluted soil and area. It is possible that microbes may enter through damaged pipes. To provide good quality water to consumer, it should be protected from microbial contamination by maintaining the water supply network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]