An investigation of the potability of water from wells in use in the area of the Kandy municipality

Samples of water were collected, using standard methods, into sterile containers, for examination for potability from 65 wells scattered throughout the area of the Kandy Municipality. The samples were examined using the MPN method, confirmed with the Eijkmann test, and the total viable (plate) count method. The wells and their environs were also examined, the wells being classified thereby into satisfactory, unsatisfactory at d of doubtful status. By these criteria, 20% of the wells examined were physically satisfactory, with 29% unsatisfactory and the rest doubtful. In the examination bacteriologically for potability, only 9% of the wells had water, confirmed to be satisfactory for human consumption.. No definite relationship could be established between potability and depth of well and the physical condition of the well as assessed above.