Abstract

FERRETTI, Emanuele et al. A case study of sanitary survey on community drinking water supplies after a severe (post-Tsunami) flooding event. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanità [online]. 2010, vol.46, n.3, pp. 236-241. ISSN 0021-2571.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0021-25712010000300003.

This report presents a case study of a comprehensive sanitary survey on ca. 160 community drinking water supplies after a severe (post-Tsunami) flooding event in Sri Lanka. Sanitary inspection and microbiological and chemical water quality analyses were performed according to specifically-designed procedures established on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Significant hazards and critical points were identified in almost all the investigated water supplies. The overall results showed a significant level of microbiological and chemical risk associated with drinking water consumption within the investigated areas. The criteria and methods practised in this study are proposed as a model to assure an effective and reliable monitoring in post-emergencies involving possible deterioration of water quality and to identify health priorities related to water consumption.

Keywords : water supply; water microbiology; public health; emergencies; Tsunami.