Applying Bacteriological Parameters for Evaluating Underground Water Quality

Abstract

A total of 111 water samples were drawn from 15 wells. These samples were subjected to bacteriological examinations to determine the suitability of the monitored wells as source for drinking water. Significant levels of bacterial pollution indicators were detected in the underground water samples during the period of study. Total bacterial counts ranged between 10-104CFU/ml. Faecal streptococci was the most common and detected in 9 6% of water samples. Lower percentages of samples (92, 55 and 45%) were contaminated with total coliforms, faecal coliforms and total clostridia, respectively. Faecal coliforms: faecal streptococci was less than 0.7 in 86% of the examined samples. Anaerobic bacteria were detected in the examined well water samples. Only 101 water samples were tested for anaerobic spore-formers and all showed positive results. Most examined wells do not meet the water quality standards for drinking water. Accordingly, the necessity of controllin bacterial pollution in ground-water through disinfection was clearly confirmed. Testing the underground water for more than one indicator represents an important approach for water quality assurance.