E. Coli in Drinking Water Sources and the Role of Community Sanitation in Ensuring Water Quality

Abstract

Safe drinking water is a vital indicator of environmental and public health. However, contamination by pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains a challenge in some areas, posing health risks including diarrhea. This research aims to identify the presence of E. coli in various drinking water sources and evaluate the role of community sanitation in maintaining water safety. A descriptive method was employed, involving the analysis of 8 water samples tested for E. coli contamination at the Provincial Health Laboratory of East Kalimantan. Additionally, 185 respondents were surveyed using stratified random sampling to assess sanitation practices. The results showed that 4 out of 8 water samples did not meet bacteriological standards due to E. coli contamination. Nevertheless, more than 90% of respondents practiced good sanitation habits, including handwashing with soap, boiling drinking water, cleaning water containers, and ensuring proper storage. The presence of E. coli in some samples indicates potential weaknesses in water treatment processes at the household or refilling station level. These findings emphasize the need for routine water quality monitoring and improved community education on water safety practices, particularly in water handling, treatment, and storage, to reduce health risks and support public health outcomes.