Bacteriological Assessment of Wells' Water in Riyadh Area

Abstract

The bacteriological quality of untreated wells' water in Riyadh area was evaluated. Samples were collected from twelve private wells and analyzed for the total aerobes, the total coliforms, the fecal coliforms and the presence of salmonella. In addition, three wells were bacteriologically monitored over a four-week period.

The total bacterial counts from 30 to 3.7 x 104 CFU/ml with an average of 4.6 x 102 CFU/ml.

The coliform organisms were detected in eight wells with a range of 2.2 to 48 and an average of 7/100 ml; fecal coliforms were present in only one well. Salmonella has been detected in three wells. Data, also revealed that, the bacterial contents of wells' water are enormously changing. Results, in general suggest that bacteriological counts, for such untreated water are relatively low. Nevertheless, it is recommended to restrict its use to domestic purposes other than drinking of food preparation, due to the possible presence of pathogens.