Faecal Bacteria Detected in Drinking Water Across Myagdi District

  July 11, 2024 By: INSEC

During the extensive testing of water samples from 59 locations across Myagdi district, findings revealed that faecal bacteria were present in the drinking water of 27 sites. This represents approximately 47% of the sampled locations where water was deemed unfit for consumption. Head of the Health Office, Bhuban Thakurathi, highlighted the concerning prevalence of contamination, emphasizing the necessity for improved water management practices and rigorous purification measures to ensure public safety.

The Health Office’s statistics further underscored that 14% of the tested locations showed evidence of faecal bacteria in their drinking water, pointing to widespread health risks associated with waterborne diseases. Public Health Inspector Bhim Prasad Acharya detailed instances of high E.coli levels specifically detected in health posts, community health units, drinking water tanks, and community taps across several local levels within the district. This heightened contamination poses significant health hazards, particularly in vulnerable communities reliant on these water sources.

In response to these findings, the Health Office of Myagdi has taken proactive steps to inform local authorities and communities about the contamination risks identified through their sampling efforts. Dr. Anju Thapa, Medical Superintendent of Beni Hospital, emphasized the critical importance of water purification as a preventive measure against potential outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, viral fever, and typhoid, all of which can be attributed to E.coli contamination in water sources. Despite ongoing testing and awareness efforts, concerns raised by Prakash Paudel, President of the Myagdi Journalists Association, underscore the need for more comprehensive strategies beyond sampling alone to effectively address and mitigate these pervasive public health challenges.


Amrit Prasad Poudel