Microorganisms found in feces detected in 11 water brands

KATHMANDU: Fecal coliform bacteria have been found in 11 different water brands being produced in Kathmandu.

As a result, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has banned the sale and distribution of all 11 brands.

Each of these companies has been fined Rs 200,000, with instructions to deposit the fine in the revenue account, according to a recent circular.

Additionally, it has been ordered that samples of the contaminated water be tested in government laboratories and technical reports be submitted.

Only after the water is found free of fecal coliform in the reports will the sale and distribution be allowed to resume.

Between Aug 28 and Sept 12, 20 water samples were collected from various locations.

In response to a consumer complaint, one additional sample was collected and sent to the Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Limited laboratory for testing.

Out of the 21 samples tested, fecal coliform was detected in 11.

The colony-forming units (CFU) in the 100 ml samples were found to be against the safety standards.

CFU is a unit used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms in a sample.

According to mandatory food quality standards, processed drinking water should have zero coliform bacteria.

Fecal coliform is typically found in feces, and its presence in water indicates contamination from microorganisms found in fecal matter.