Microbial Quality of Drinking Water in Public-water Services within Sudan University of Science and Technology

The present research was case studycarried out in Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST) from April to September 2011 to assess bacterial contamination of drinking water using presence absence technique. SUST provides drinking water through three forms of cooling systems; non-electrical local made coolers, classical electrical coolers and hot-cool refrigerators. Fifty water samples were collected;9 (18%) samples from non-electrical local made coolers, 13(26%) samples from classical electrical coolers and 28(56%) samples from hot – cool refrigerator. The results showed that all water samples were contaminated by coliform bacteria. Samples collected from non-electrical local made cooler showed (88.9%) coliform, (77.8%) thermo-tolerant, (66.7%) presumptive test positive and (55.6%) confirmed E.coli. Samples collected from classical electrical coolers showed (23%) coliform, (23%) thermo-tolerant, (23%) presumptive test positive, and (7.8%) confirmed E.coli. Water samples collected from electrical hot-cool refrigerators showed (82.1%) coliform, (64.3%) thermo tolerant, (28.6%) presumptive test positive and (25%) confirmed E.coli.The study highlights the need for regular bacteriological enumeration along with setting up regime for cleaning and maintaining of water cooling system and regular medical check-upfor people who handling water service.