Contamination of Jar Water Sparks Concern in Godawari Municipality
In a recent development, 60% of the samples of jar water collected from various locations in the Godawari Municipality of Lalitpur district have been found contaminated with faecal coliform. This alarming discovery has raised serious concerns about the safety of drinking water in the area.
Health workers from the municipality collected 10 samples from 10 different bottled water companies and tested them at the Health Office Lalitpur laboratory. Out of these, six samples tested positive for harmful microbes. Muna Adhikari, the Deputy Mayor of the municipality, confirmed that the factories responsible for supplying the contaminated water have been sealed. "We will also check the quality of drinking water being piped to households by water supply utilities, and this is just the beginning," she stated.
Faecal coliform, a microscopic organism found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals or their faeces, indicates that the jar water used by locals is contaminated with sewage. Doctors emphasize that even though jar water is generally considered safer than water from household taps, the presence of deadly bacteria in the samples suggests that most jar water companies are not providing safe drinking water. They advise people to ensure the safety of their water before consumption.
Adhikari mentioned that the quality inspection was conducted following complaints from local residents. Rewati Karki, chief of the health section at the municipality, added that companies will only be allowed to resume production after proving overall improvement in water quality. "We will recheck the water samples and decide whether to grant permission for resuming production," she said.
Historical Context of Water Contamination
Drinking water contamination is not a new issue in the Kathmandu Valley, especially during the monsoon season when most sources become contaminated with rainwater. Every year, thousands of people suffer from water-borne diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A and E, and cholera. Last year, faecal coliform was detected in a study of water samples from Godawari Municipality, leading to several cases of cholera in the area.
The Vibrio cholera 01 Ogawa serotype was confirmed in the stool sample of an infected patient. Cholera is a highly infectious disease that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and potentially death if untreated. The World Health Organisation highlights that cholera remains a global public health threat and an indicator of inequality and lack of social development.
Surge in Water-Borne Diseases
Hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley have reported a significant increase in cases of water-borne diseases, including diarrhoea, viral fever, and viral hepatitis. Kanti Children's Hospital, which treats over one thousand patients daily, noted that more than 60 seriously ill diarrheal patients seek care every day. Dr Sumit Agrawal, the hospital’s spokesperson, emphasized that the number of patients suffering from viral hepatitis has also risen.
"Many children are getting infected with diarrheal problems daily, indicating that the food and drinking water they consume are not safe. Parents must take precautions for their children’s safety," he said. Viral hepatitis, a viral infection causing liver inflammation, is often caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital has also observed a surge in cases of diarrhoea and viral fever. Dr Yuba Nidhi Basaula, director at the hospital, warned that the number of patients with these conditions is expected to rise further in the coming days due to widespread water contamination.
Monsoon Season and Public Health Risks
The monsoon season in Nepal is known as an epidemic period, with most drinking water sources contaminated by deadly microbes such as E. coli and faecal coliform. Thousands of people across the country fall ill with water-borne and vector-borne diseases during this time.
Public health experts have urged authorities to launch awareness campaigns about the risks associated with contaminated water and to implement measures ensuring the supply of safe drinking water to households. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for both individuals and officials to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing water safety concerns.
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