Coliform contamination on faucet surface of water vending machines in Klang Valley

Abstract

In Malaysia, water vending machine serves as an alternative to drinking water supply. However, the quality of drinking water obtained from water vending machines may vary due to microorganism contamination which caused by inadequate hygienic practices and routine maintenance of the machines. In this study, 100 water vending machines were randomly selected from 10 districts of Klang Valley. Sterile cotton swabs were used to collect swab samples from all selected subjects, with swab samples collected on the outer surface of water faucets. Samples were sent to laboratory for culture analyses using Nutrient agars (Oxoid) and HiCrome™ Coliform agars (HiMedia Laboratories). The results showed that none of the water vending machine was contaminated by faecal coliform, however, with close to 80% of the subjects were found contaminated by total coliform (eg. Klebsiella, Enterobacter or Citrobacter species). Although the presence of total coliform may not be deleterious to the health of end users, our findings highlights the need for authorities and water vending service providers to set an effective sanitation procedure in maintaining the hygienic level of water vending machines.