Spatial patterns and trends of Escherichia coli in public water supply system of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Most of the Northern and Central part of Lahore district is supplied with ground water by Water and Sanitation Government Authority. The quality of public water supply is getting deteriorating due to increasing population of Lahore city. Moreover, the effects of microbial water pollutants on health of population of study area have been addressed. In this research, presence of Escherichia coli in pre & post monsoon seasons has been focused. The water samples were taken from tube wells as well as adjacent houses. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to find out the responses of people in study area. It was clear from the results of the study that E. coli were detected in all the water samples of public water supply system. An increase in growth of pathogens was also noticed in post monsoon season. It was also proved from study that many people were suffering from diarrhoea at sample places where E. coli were identified. The mixing of sewage with drinking water was the major cause of presence of pathogens in water samples of houses although they were less or absent in water samples of tube wells.