Biological Contamination in 80% Water Samples Across Kozhikode, Kerala

A recent survey from the health department of the civic body has reportedly found that around 80% of water samples from various parts of Kozhikode were tested positive for the coliform bacteria that are commonly found in animal excreta.

The coastal Kerala city Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is home to over 20 lakh people and is the second-largest metro city of Kerala.

The city has been experiencing both water quality and quantity issues in recent years. Owing to scarcity, the state government is finally setting up the infrastructure to draw water from the Cauvery river system, twelve years after the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal awarded 30 TMC of water to Kerala.

As per the reports, the survey collected as many as 723 samples randomly from borewells, open wells and water taps. The samples were collected from different parts of Kozhikode, including, schools, restaurants, juice parlours and various private and government institutions. Experts believe that during the monsoon, the concentration of the bacteria is usually higher and the infrequent cleaning, as well as proximity of septic tanks to drinking water sources, is typically the cause of such high concentrations.