A sanitary survey for individual drinking water reservoirs in the rural areas in northern Jordan was conducted using purpose designed forms. 567 water samples were collected from the four main types of private reservoirs. 228 from cisterns, 128 from under‐ground concrete reservoirs 92 from ground‐level metal tanks, and 119 from taps receiving water from roof metal tanks. Twenty‐four more samples were collected directly from public supply systems. Water samples containingE. coliwere considered contaminated. The results indicated that although water is supplied to houses free from contamination, more than 37.4 of private drinking water reservoirs in the rural areas were contaminated including 53.9 of cisterns and 30.9 of the reservoirs used to store water coming from public supply and 20 of tap water coming from roof tanks were contaminated. Seepage pits located within 15 m of the underground water reservoirs (at the same level or higher) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the possibility of water contamination. The use of electric pumps and the cleanliness around water reservoirs significantly(p <0.05) reduced the possibility of water contamination. Reservoirs built underground were more subject to contamination than roof or ground reservoirs. Sanitary measures should be taken to afford full protection of the private water reservoirs, especially cisterns, from contaminants. They should be correctly built, properly located, well maintained and protected. Seepage pits must be replaced by sanitary septic tanks.
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