Bacteriological Study of Drinking Water from Different Sources and Associated Flood Diseases

Background: The drinking water problem is a globally WHO-accepted concern problem. As per WHO data 80% of the diseases are due to sanitation issues, unsafe drinking water issues, or non-availability of drinking water worldwide. This information from WHO itself indicates the importance of this study. Purpose: The main aim of the study is to find out the bacterial health impact of flooding. The study results help to know the association between floods, water contamination, diseases, etc. Method: Water samples were collected by aseptic techniques from different flood-affected areas of Nalbari District of Assam, India. The study samples were collected from January 2022 to December 2024. Collected samples were processed for bacteriological tests. Results: Test results showed maximum positive cases during flood season. This proves that flood water contaminates the drinking sources. Different disease-causing bacteria were isolated from the sources. Out of all positive samples, the most isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (E. coli). The distribution is Escherichia coli (50%), Salmonella (3.12%), Campylobacter (3.12%), Vibrio cholerae (0%), Streptococcus (18.75%), Staphylococcus (18.75%), Klebsiella (3.12%), and Pseudomonas (3.12%). Nalbari district of India disease patterns showed that diarrheal diseases, typhoid, UTI, etc. were commonly found in Nalbari. The isolated organism and disease pattern were matched. These indicate that contaminated water was the cause. Conclusion: Bacteria can easily transmit with water. To minimize the water-borne diseases living behavior, hygiene maintenance, safe drinking, etc. are the most important points. Special care is required during flood season. Community health awareness on safe drinking water, communicable diseases, etc. will play an important role in preventing these diseases or reducing the number of cases.