Bacterial Study of Groundwater in Sub-Himalayan Region of Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir.
Pakistan J. Environ. Sci. Vol 1; N0. 2; Jan. 2002.

Geologically the area of study is located at the core of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis where Precambrian to Recent rock units are exposed. The drinking water in Muzaffarabad is available from three main sources; 1) The Springs; 2) The River; 3) The Streams. Among all these sources, the spring water is usually considered the most economic and reliable source of potable water, but the springs are polluted by fecal contaminations marked by coliform organisms and trace elements i.e. P, B and Pb. The most apparent reason of groundwater contamination is frequent use of septic tanks (for domestic water disposal) and uncontrolled disposed off liquid and solid wastes generated by the community. The springs presents at the lower topographic level and those emerging from alluvial terraces are mainly affected by sewage system in the area. Not only groundwater but also the treated water is not free from micro-organisms which arises a variety of health based problems in the community. Diarrhea, enteric fever and Bicolli dysentery are the mot common water born infections which become more serious in summer when receptivity of infectious bacteria is increased in human recipients.

It was concluded that geology of the area provides environment for bacterial growth, even in treated water in terms of suspended load derived from different geological formations. The suspended load reduces the efficiency of Chlorination operation in the treatment process which provides space for bacterial growth.

Author(s):

M. Arshad Khan, M. Ashraf and Tariq Bashir
Institute of Geology, University of AJ & K, Muzaffarabad.