Kendrapara, Sept. 1: Potable water sources at government hospitals in the district are contaminated and presence of harmful bacteria has been detected from samples, a latest bacteriological study reveals.

The count of harmful bacteria in the drinking water sources of various government-run health units, including the premier district headquarters hospital, here has triggered a controversy.

"Harmful Escherichia coli (E-coli) bacteria were detected from water samples. The samples were drawn from the headquarters hospital and other places on August 12. Then the samples were sent for the lab test to the bacteriologist and pathologist wing of the health department. The test report found growth of E-coli," said a health department official here. The test has found E-coli presence beyond the permissible limit of 100 colonies in every 10ml of water.

"The E-coli bacteria have been traced in the hospital drinking water, according to the bacteriological study. The hospital is drawing drinking water from the public health engineering department's supply. We have initiated measures to de-contaminate the water sources. Water purifiers are being installed to ensure the supply of safe drinking water," said Kendrapara chief district medical officer Binayak Prusty.

Doctors said that the bacteria could trigger stomach disorder, affect the area outside the intestinal tract and even cause skin infections. Taking bath in the E-coli contaminated water could also cause skin allergies or irritation to human beings.

In view of the concern over water contamination, the department has taken steps on a war footing to disinfect the drinking water sources. Leakage in underground pipelines might have led to the water contamination, said public health (Cuttack division) executive engineer Jaladhar Swain.

Now, the water is being treated at various levels before it reaches the hospitals. The treated water is again being filtered at cooler points to ensure quality of water.

Swain did not rule of the possibility of hospital reservoir water getting contaminated. The water tanks need to be cleaned periodically to ensure hygiene and safety, he said.

"The unsafe drinking water sources at hospitals aptly portray the state of the government-run health service network in Kendrapara, which is incidentally the home district of health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak," said Congress leader and former MLA Ganeswar Behera.