Assessment of microbiological and chemical quality of springwater in Riverston of Knuckles mountain range in Sri Lanka

Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes. The main objectives of this study were to assess the microbiological and chemical quality of spring water in Riverston, situated in the Knuckles Mountain range, Sri Lanka and to identify bacteria isolated from spring water. Water samples were collected from ten springs from different locations. Microbiological and chemical analysis were carried out according to standard protocols. Isolated bacteria were identified using biochemical tests and API identification system. According to the results, Total coliforms (TC) (ranged from 0-27 per 100 ml) and Fecal coliforms (FC) (ranged from 38-326 per 100 ml) bacteria were detected in all water samples tested, and the detected numbers exceeded permitted levels for drinking water. There are four TC species, viz; Escherichia vulneris, Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens and Proteus mirabilis and one FC species, viz; Escherichia coli (dominant species), were identified during the study. All chemical parameters tested were within the permitted levels. This study reveals that spring water in Riverston, Knuckles Mountain Range is not a safe drinking water source. Hence, it is important to take necessary precautions, especially as spring waters from these areas are consumed by many and is the main source water for the bottling industry in Sri Lanka.