Coliform bacteria confirmed in water samples of DLF flats
KOCHI: The health department has confirmed the presence of coliform bacteria, including E-coli, in the water samples collected from DLF New Town Heights, indicating the poor quality of water supplied from various sources to the 15-tower apartment complex.
E-coli scare raises alarm over drinking water safety in Kochi
“Forty-six samples from various sources of drinking water, including tanks, borewells, domestic taps, wells and water supplied by tanker lorries, were sent for testing. The presence of bacteria was detected in several of the 19 samples for which initial results have been received,” Health Minister Veena George said on Thursday, adding that the water sources have been super chlorinated under the supervision of the health department.
Meanwhile, the Kakkanad medical officer issued a notice to the DLF New Town Heights residents’ association under various sections of the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023.
“Samples from people undergoing treatment have been sent to the Regional Public Health Lab and NIV Alappuzha for testing. Three more drinking water samples were tested today for bacteriological analysis,” she added.
According to data collected by the department and local authorities, as many as 492 people have been affected by diarrheal diseases, including four fresh cases on Thursday.
Representatives of the residents’ association claimed that more than 850 people have been affected. “Every day, around 100 more people are reporting diarrheal symptoms, and according to the data we have received, 22 people reported health ailments on Thursday,” said Harish Menon, a resident.The number is expected to decrease in the coming days, according to Dr Sakeena K, the Ernakulam district medical officer.
“The incubation period is 2-3 days, and the number of daily cases has reduced. The number of affected persons is expected to decline soon. Also, the health department has super chlorinated the sources of water to eliminate the presence of bacteria,” Dr Sakeena added.
