Microbial Safety Associations in Point of Use Drinking Water of Salyan, Nepal

Abstract: Drinking water access is increasing but its safety remains a major health concern. Point of Use (PoU) safety of drinking water is important as diarrheal disease is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among under five year's children. Range of factors influences microbial safety of drinking water. Understanding probable factors associated to PoU microbial safety can aid in reducing health vulnerability. A cross-sectional study of 400 households at Salyan district, Nepal was conducted. Household survey, Spot observations, Physical parameters, and Microbial contamination (E. coli), of PoU drinking water were assessed. Physical parameters were within the limit value of National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS), 2005. Microbial contamination (E. coli) was laboratory confirmed in 191 (50.5%) PoU samples. Uncovered storage vessels possessed twice much as odds risk (OR=2.24; CI=1.208-4.166) of contamination than that of covered ones. Households with water in the dwelling had odds of 52% (OR=0.520; CI=0.332-0.814) greater risk of contamination. Technical and Behavioral factors were evidenced to be associated with microbial contamination in study sample. Access of drinking water alone didn't possessed microbial safety; rather unsafe access increased the risk of contamination. The study indicates that, if water is from safe distribution point and stored in a covered vessel which is easily cleanable, PoU drinking water shall be microbiologically safe