E. coli presence in bottled water in Keralam’s Kochi points at need to ensure water traceability

The most probable number (MPN) of coliform bacteria detected in the samples ranged from 17 per 100 ml to 1,600 per 100 ml. According to experts, the MPN should be zero in drinking water The presence of E. coli and coliform bacteria in bottled drinking water in Kochi, Keralam, has prompted authorities to take measures to address contamination risks and ensure water traceability.

The Kochi Corporation is planning to make it mandatory for hotels to use only Kerala Water Authority (KWA) water, which would help ensure the use of safe water and enable traceability. Chairperson of the Health Standing Committee Seena Teacher said the decision was taken after inspections found contamination in water used at some hotels.

“The idea is to make them use only KWA’s water, thereby ensuring the veracity of the source of the drinking water. We have plans to create a QR code for this, through which they can get water from the KWA using the My Kochi mobile application.

We will also hold a meeting with the stakeholders to trace the source of the water and take necessary action,” said Ms. Seena. The contamination was observed in the samples collected from eateries as part of the surprise checks carried out jointly by the Health Department, Kochi Corporation, Food Safety Department and police.

Food Safety Assistant Commissioner Jose Lawrence said that while inspections are periodically carried out at the water bottling units in the city, the presence of E. coli was not observed. “We carry out checks in packaged drinking water (water bottles) from random locations.

In this light, we will focus more on the cans as well. We recently received a complaint from the Kalamassery area about fungal growth in a can from a supplier. Test results are awaited,” said Mr. Lawrence. The most probable number (MPN) of coliform bacteria detected in the samples ranged from 17 per 100 ml to 1,600 per 100 ml.

According to experts, the MPN should be zero in drinking water and the high MPN values indicate faecal contamination and render the water unfit for human consumption. According to Kerala Hotels and Restaurants Association (KHRA) representatives, more inspections need to be carried out to find the source of contamination.

KHRA State president G. Jayapal said that only packaged water with Indian Standards Institute (ISI) marking is used in hotels. “We will be directing all hoteliers to procure water from reputed agencies,” said Mr. Jayapal.

Not dismissing the chances of such contaminated drinking water cans entering into households, Consortium of Flat and Villa Owners Association, Kerala State chairperson Saju Abraham said awareness among the end user was crucial.

“While KWA’s water is used in apartment complexes, a significant percentage of the residents rely on canned water. Tracing the source of the water used by these agencies as well as tankers is important,” said Mr. Abraham.