engleski

QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER IN HOUSEHOLD CISTERNS

Purpose: The aim of this research was to analyse quality of drinking water in household cisterns of the Adriatic island Mljet. Water supply on the island is mostly from household cisterns which contain rain, desalinated water and municipal water from mainland or different mixtures. Methods: We analyzed microbiological and chemical characteristics of drinking water in private household cistern, as an important health determinant, as well as general information regarding water supply system and availability of drinking water supply. Microbiological analysis include total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Enterococcus, number of aerobic mesophilic bacterium at 37° and 22° C, Clostridium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: Out of 21 drinking water samples, only 2 corresponded with maximum allowed values. Most of drinking water samples from households cisterns were microbiological unacceptable, mostly because of increased number of aerobic mesophilic bacterium, total and fecal coliforms and Enterococcus, rarely because of Clostridium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: Because of water shortage on the island and poor maintained household cisterns there is a need to connect local inhabitants to the water supply system.

quality of drinking water; household cisterns; water supply

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