Abstract

VALENZUELA, Eduardo; GODOY, Roberto; ALMONACID, Leonardo  and  BARRIENTOS, Mónica. Microbiological quality of water in livestock area of southern Chile and its possible implications on human health. Rev. chil. infectol. [online]. 2012, vol.29, n.6, pp.628-634. ISSN 0716-1018.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-10182012000700007.

Introduction: A significant proportion of water for human consumption has an underground origin becoming 80% in Chilean rural areas where profound wells represent the only search of water for human and animal beverage. Aim: To study the microbiological quality of water from agricultural land for livestock production in the province of Valdivia (40°S), Chile and its potential impact on human health. Material and Method: Water samples were collected monthly (2008 - 2009), at the entrance and exit of a water stream running through the field and in well water used for human and animal consumption. The total coliform (Tc) and Escherichia coli were determined by the confirmatory method Quanti-Tray together with other physicochemical assessments in the water and climatic variables. Results: In samples from the stream water and wells, the Most Probable Number of Tc and E. coli exceeded the standard Chilean Norm of Water Quality (NCh 409/1) for human consumption. Conclusion: These results show the need to regulate the environmental impact of farming and cattle production and to monitor the drinking water to meet the minimum standards of health protection.

Keywords : Well water; microbiological water quality; coliforms; human health.

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