Baglung, – Water quality tests carried out across Baglung district have found coliform bacteria in 125 drinking water sources, raising fresh concerns about the safety of water used by thousands of people in the area.
Out of 341 water sources tested by the Provincial Public Health Office, 125 were found to be contaminated. Coliform bacteria are usually linked to human or animal waste and are a sign that the water may not be safe to drink.
Jaimini Municipality recorded the highest number of contaminated sources. Of the 106 water points tested there, 42 had coliform. Galkot followed closely, with 40 out of 91 sources testing positive. In Kathekhola, 27 out of 47 were affected, while Badigad had 10 out of 68. In Baglung Municipality, 4 of the 24 water sources tested were contaminated.
Dhorpatan Municipality showed no signs of contamination, with all five sources there testing clean. However, no tests were conducted in Nisikhola, Tamankhola, Tarakhola, or Bareng, leaving the situation in those areas unclear.
“We found contamination in more sources this year than last — 125 compared to 103,” said Dilli Acharya, a lab technician at the public health office. “We’re trying to expand testing and have encouraged local governments to reach out so we can cover more areas.”
Dr. Kiran Tiwari, Medical Superintendent at Dhaulagiri Provincial Hospital, said water contaminated with coliform can cause a range of illnesses, including diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, jaundice, hepatitis B, urinary infections, and even blood infections. He strongly advised boiling water before drinking.
In response, Jaimini Municipality’s Deputy Mayor, Harihar Sharma, said the local government has been working to clean and protect water sources. “We’re raising awareness so people treat their water before drinking. We’ve also developed a WASH plan to improve access to clean water,” he said.
The findings underline the ongoing struggle to ensure safe drinking water in rural parts of Nepal. Public health officials say tackling the issue will take a combined effort — from government agencies and communities alike.
