A case study of sanitary survey on community drinking water supplies after a severe (post-Tsunami) flooding event

Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2010;46(3):236-41. doi: 10.4415/ANN_10_03_03.

Abstract

This report presents a case study of a comprehensive sanitary survey on ca. 160 community drinking water supplies after a severe (post-Tsunami) flooding event in Sri Lanka. Sanitary inspection and microbiological and chemical water quality analyses were performed according to specifically-designed procedures established on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Significant hazards and critical points were identified in almost all the investigated water supplies. The overall results showed a significant level of microbiological and chemical risk associated with drinking water consumption within the investigated areas. The criteria and methods practised in this study are proposed as a model to assure an effective and reliable monitoring in post-emergencies involving possible deterioration of water quality and to identify health priorities related to water consumption.

MeSH terms

  • Data Collection
  • Safety
  • Sanitation*
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tsunamis*
  • Water Microbiology
  • Water Supply / standards*
  • World Health Organization