Alarming presence of E-Coli a cause of concern

KOCHI: One of the major reasons for the contamination of potable drinking water is the presence of E-Coli, a bacterium found in human and animal waste.  Dr Aisha S, a doctor in the Health Department said: “There have been a few cases of water contamination in the past caused by E-Coli in many hospitals. Most of them might not be severe but nonetheless they are harmful.” Chemists say even the slightest strain of E-Coli 0157:H7 in water can cause major health problems. Usually the presence of E-Coli in water means the water is contaminated because of the presence of recent sewage or animal waste which has seeped into drinking water.Dr Aisha said: “There are  rules and regulations which state that toilets should be built within at least a distance of seven metres from drinking water pipelines and wells. This is because the E-Coli has only a life span of seven days and it can travel only one metre a day. The presence of septic waste within seven metres of pipelines or wells makes it easy for the bacterium to enter the water.    “The diseases that are caused owing to the presence of E-Coli are not uncommon and they should not be taken lightly,” she said.E-Coli may lead to many diseases. Diarrohea is the major symptom of the diseases. According to doctors, if it is not checked in time, it can lead to diseases such as jaundice, typhoid and hepatitis. Junior Chemist of the Groundwater Department S P Sreelekha said: “According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, the desirable and permissible limit of E-Coli in potable water is zero and if the water being tested shows its presence, then it has to be superchlorinated or it would spell danger.”