Water-borne illness, primarily caused by fecal contamination of drinking water, is a major health burden in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Currently drinking water is treated at the reservoir level and supplied on alternate days, necessitating storage in households for up to 48 hrs. Researchers from the University of Iowa (USA) and the Institute of Health Systems (India) discovered that fecal contamination occurs principally during storage, due to poor water handling [1]. They tested for coliform bacteria in water samples collected at distribution points as household storage containers were filled, and then tested containers in the same households 24-36 hours after collection. They also conducted an observational survey to make an assessment of water handling and hygiene. Samples collected from household storage containers showed an increase in contamination in 18/50 houses (36%). There were no significant differences in demographics, water handling, hygiene practices, or sanitation. The dramatic increase in contamination after collection suggests that, until an uninterrupted water supply is possible, the biggest health impact can be made at household level.

[1] Eshcol, J. … [et al.] (2009). Is fecal contamination of drinking water after collection associated with household water handling and hygiene practices? A study of urban slum households in Hyderabad, India. Journal of water and health ; vol. 07, no. 1 ; p. 145-154. doi:10.2166/wh.2009.094

Contact: Jayasheel Eshcol, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, USA, jayasheel-eshcol@uiowa.edu

Tags: hygiene promotion, south asia, water collection, water quality, water-related diseases