KATHMANDU: Following the discovery of fecal coliform contamination in its samples, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has taken firm measures to prohibit the sale and distribution of eleven distinct brands of drinking water. Local officials fined these brands Rs 200,000 apiece and ordered them to pay the money into the KMC's revenue account. In terms of drinking water quality, this action demonstrates the city's dedication to protecting public health and safety.

Following the contamination findings, the KMC mandated that the concerned authorities conduct further testing of the water samples that showed coliform presence in government laboratories. The KMC has stated that it will only issue sales and distribution permits if the new reports confirm a zero fecal coliform level in the samples. This policy aims to safeguard the health of consumers.

The water samples were collected by the KMC from various locations between August 29 and September 13. Additionally, a sample was taken from a source after receiving consumer complaints and sent to Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Limited for analysis. Out of the 21 samples tested, 11 were found to contain fecal coliform, violating the Colony Forming Unit (CFU) standards set for safe drinking water.

The government has set strict quality standards for food goods, and processed drinking water is required to have a zero coliform level. The water is dangerous to drink because fecal coliform signals pollution and poses major health hazards. 

Fresh Drop water, Batch No. 13, had a fecal coliform level of 23 CFU among the impacted brands. The Pancharatna Group provided another issue sample that tested positive for contamination and was collected on September 3 in response to customer complaints.

The KMC released additional results from samples collected on August 28. Batch No. 12 of Aqua Peace had 80 CFU of fecal coliform, while Aqua Tokha had 30 CFU. The fact that both brands are made in Tokha raises the possibility of localized contamination problems.

In another case, the Kolbhoteshwar brand's Batch No. 6 test results from September 9 revealed a noticeably higher contamination level of 116 CFU. Uttar Bahini Food and Beverage, which is based in Kageshwori Manohara, is the company that makes this brand.

Fecal coliform was found in multiple other brands, including Aqua DB, Aqua, Cube Process Drinking Water, and Aqua Mild, according to additional testing conducted on September 9. With Aqua DB at 5 CFU, Aqua at 17 CFU, Cube Process Drinking Water surpassing 300 CFU, and Aqua Mild at 21 CFU, the contamination levels varied.

It was also discovered that samples collected on September 13 from Aqua Kapan and Aqua Gaurishankar were polluted. The fecal coliform level of Aqua Kapan was only 4 CFU, but Aqua Gaurishankar showed an alarming number of over 300 CFU. The fact that different places produce these brands points to a more serious issue with the quality of the water.

The KMC's actions highlight how crucial it is to keep an eye on and control the quality of drinking water in order to safeguard public health. In order to guarantee that the residents of Kathmandu have access to safe drinking water, penalties must be applied and sales must be permitted only if coliform levels are below zero.