Health officials at the Greater Chennai Corporation, the municipal body governing the city of Chennai, India were in for a shock when they found that samples collected from 17 points of drinking water sources were found to be unfit for drinking, due to the presence of E.Coli bacteria.. The points from where the samples were collected included fountains, water tanks and water lorries, all of which were involved with dispensing or transporting drinking water to different parts of the city. The collection was part of weekly procedure carried out by the health department to keep Chennai drinking water safe for drinking. As per a health official, E Coli contamination usually happens post floods or due to old pipelines. And this is not limited to Chennai drinking water, taking into consideration the other cities of India.
Some facts about E. coli and its impact on our drinking water
E. coli is one of the most commonly found contaminant when it comes to drinking water. Presence of some strains of E. coli in drinking water is known to cause illness in humans.
What is Escherichia coli (E. coli)?
Escherichia coli O157 is a bacterium that is usually found in the intestines of humans and a number of other warm-blooded mammals. Some strains of this bacterium are responsible for causing food poisoning and severe illnesses, some of which can also be fatal. The most common way that this bacterium gets passed to humans is through contaminated water and food. It can also be passed when you come in contact with an infected person or animal. One of the most critical aspects of this bacterium, which makes it lethal, is the fact that E. coli can also survive outside of the body, and needs to be really on the guard for E.coli in drinking water, the easiest way of transmission.
What illnesses can E. coli in water cause?
The harmful strains of E.coli are known to mainly cause gastro-intestinal issues in humans. Abdominal cramps, seizures, diarrhea & vomiting, some of which can turn fatal if not treated on time as well as kidney failures in young children are among the critical health problems that E.coli in drinking water or food can cause. Most often than not, it is E.coli in water that causes a lot of health problems in India, especially when drinking water from publicly available sources like lakes or pools are consumed without being adequately treated.
Symptoms of E.coli sickness typically include:
Diarrhoea (particularly with blood)
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Treatment
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fatigue
E.coli in drinking water | How do I ensure safe drinking water
Water sources in India which are regulated by municipal corporations have clear guidelines for testing water sources and supply lines regularly. These are regulated by Central pollution control board, on the basis of guidelines as laid out by WHO.
Ensuring that your drinking water is from a safe & trusted source is the first step to avoiding probable E.coli infections. Boiling water is one of the most common ways to ensure that any E.coli, to be safer, it is better to have a filtration system that can help filter E.coli and any such common contaminants before you drink. This is where a Doulton water filter becomes your trusted partner. Doulton Water Filters use proprietary silver impregnated ceramic technology to filter up to 99.99% of pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli. With no electricity required to operate it, it can be used at any location, thereby ensuring clean & potable water even in areas where electricity could be scarce. Add to it, the economy of operation as well as no water wastage like an RO system you have the best option to ensure highest quality drinking water for you and your family for many years.
