Coliform Bacteria as an Indicator of Sewerage Water Mixing with Drinking Water Sources in Rawalpindi City

摘要

The coliform group of bacteria are consider to be one of the prominant indicators of surface/groundwater pollution as their presence in drinking water sources shows that water has been in contact with soil, plants, septic tanks or sewerage lines/drains. As a part of a surface/groundwater pollution studies in various areas of Rawalpindi city, coliform bacteria have been determined in the available drinking water sources (dug wells, tube-wells) to evaluate their possible connection with the nearby septic tanks and sewerage lines/drains. The presence of coliform in the tube-well water supply taps are attributed to ruptures in the underground water supply lines. Present study reveals that general sanitary conditions and water quality in the city are poor and that there is an urgent need of improvement in the water treatment and distribution systems.