14 August 2024, Kathmandu

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has slapped a hefty fine of Rs. 2 lakhs on Jambulinga Group Industries for producing contaminated drinking water.

Coliform Found in ‘Aqua Tridev’ Water

The company, operating in Tarakeshwar Municipality, was found to have coliform bacteria in its ‘Aqua Tridev’ brand water.

According to inspection officer Dr. Awadhesh Jha, water samples collected from the company on July 25 were tested at the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Limited laboratory. The results, released on Tuesday, showed a shockingly high coliform count of over 300 CFU (Colony Forming Units) per 100 millilitres in the ‘Akwa Tridev’ water sample. This is alarming as the permissible limit for coliform in processed drinking water is zero.

Food technician Anil Basnet explained that the presence of coliform indicates either a contaminated water source or inadequate treatment. These bacteria originate from human or animal waste. While the water tested negative for Vibrio cholera, the coliform contamination is a serious public health concern.

In response to the findings, the metropolis has banned the sale of all water produced by Jambulinga Group Industries until the coliform levels drop to zero. This decision comes on the heels of previous incidents involving insects, dirt, and now coliform in bottled and jarred water, prompting the metropolis to urge citizens to consume only boiled water.

Coliform Found in ‘Aqua Tridev’ Water