Microbial Study of Groundwater Quality in Jasalpur Village of Narmadapuram (M.P.)

Abstract

Water is essential for all life, and access to clean drinking water is crucial, as emphasized in the UN Millennium Declaration (2000) and Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. Water samples were collected from multiple sources, including hand pumps, tube wells and one open well in Jasalpur village of Narmadapuram. These samples were analyzed for the presence of indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli and total coliforms using standard microbial techniques. The findings revealed that the microbial quality of groundwater in Jasalpur is poor, with elevated levels of indicator bacteria in many samples. The presence of E. coli and total coliforms indicates fecal contamination likely stemming from inadequate sanitation and waste disposal practices. The significant microbial contamination observed poses serious public health risks, as consumption of this contaminated water can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. This study underscores the critical need for interventions to ensure safe drinking water access in rural communities like Jasalpur to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated groundwater.