ENUMERATION OF BACTERIA; A TOOL FOR WATER QUALITY EVALUATION IN TUNGA RESERVOIR AT GAJANUR, KARNATAKA

Aquatic bacteria forms most dangerous constituents of potable water and play a vital role in causing enteric disorders, thus bacteriological examination of potable water is therefore a greater importance from the public health point of view. Sometimes bacteria also act as indicator organisms for the characterization of condition of potable water. Primary objective of bacteriological examination of water is the detection of faecal pollution. Many instances have occurred, where reported chemical analysis of water supply has failed to reveal any evidence of pollution which never the less existed and was well demonstrated by bacteriological methods. The present study was conducted by collecting water samples on monthly basis from Tunga reservoir at Gajanur. The reservoir receives agricultural runoff during monsoon from the upstream water. Results of the present study revealed that the water is bacteriologically contaminated and contains faecal coli forms and faecal streptococci above the permissible limits for potability. Mean values of different types of bacteria along with seasonal variations was also worked out and has been discussed in detail. Immediate remedial measures have also been suggested.