Abstract

VENEGAS B, Camilo; MERCADO R, Marcela  and  CAMPOS, María Claudia. EVALUATION OF THE MICROBIAL QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER IN ONE POPULATION OF BOGOTA (COLOMBIA). Biosalud [online]. 2014, vol.13, n.2, pp.24-35. ISSN 1657-9550.

In Colombia access to drinking water and sanitation are not guaranteed for the majority of the population, reason why the consumption of contaminated water generates water-borne diseases. The most commonly used alternative to access drinking water is its storage in homes and the improvisation of sewerage systems typically found outdoors. Objective: To evaluate microbiological quality of drinking water and wastewater near the homes of displaced populations and its relationship with the community's health. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six (36) samples of drinking water for consumption stored in different types of containers and taps were collected where these were installed. Additionally 15 samples of wastewater were collected randomly in an illegal settlement, where most of the inhabitants were displaced persons. E. coli, C. perfringens and somatic coliphages were examined as fecal contamination indicators for microbiological water quality assessment. Simultaneously, morbidity surveys were carried out to establish the possible relationship between the inhabitants' living conditions, water quality and health status perception. Results and Conclusions: Contamination of fecal origin was found in 14 out of the 36 selected houses and in 15 outdoors sewerages. The conducted morbidity survey shows how water quality and living conditions can influence the health of the population. WHO estimates that drinking water should be free from microorganisms that affect human health, reason why water treatment, proper storage and isolation of residual water are important facts to be considered.

Keywords : Clostridium perfringens; coliphages; drinking water; Escherichia coli; health risk; water quality.

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