Management of Drinking Water Quality at Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur-A Case Study

Water quality of drinking water sources and the distribution system of MNIT, Jaipur campus was comprehensively studied for physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters as some incidences were reported related to waterborne diseases. The results showed that all physical and chemical parameters were within the limits but the biological parameters deviated from the prescribed standards of the BIS: 10500. Bacteriological analysis was carried out using Colilert18 and cross checked by the standard pour plate method. Results obtained after pour plating method showed the presence of 33% Serratia, 33% Citrobacter, 18% Klebsiella, and 18% Enterobacter among the pathogens analysed in the most contaminated sample obtained from a residential apartment of the campus. Presence of high level of bacterial count in drinking water indicates the contamination of drinking water distribution system by sewage. In light of these findings, appropriate remedial measures were taken by the authorities supplying water to the campus in terms of cleaning of sewer lines and refurbishing of tube wells followed by regular disinfection of drinking supplies. After the refurbishment, bacteriological test results of water samples collected from various locations covering the entire campus revealed complete absence of coliforms representing a good quality of water.