E. coli in Kochi bottled water prompts stricter source-tracking plan
Kochi authorities plan QR-code water traceability and mandatory KWA supply for hotels after E. coli and coliform were found in bottled water samples.
The Kochi Corporation is moving to make Kerala Water Authority (KWA) supply mandatory for hotels after inspections detected E. coli and coliform bacteria in bottled drinking water. The civic body plans to introduce a QR-code-based system that would allow hotels to order KWA water through the My Kochi mobile application, ensuring the source of drinking water can be verified.
Seena Teacher, Chairperson of the Health Standing Committee, said the decision followed inspections that found contamination in water used at some hotels. The QR-code system is intended to establish the veracity of the water source. A meeting with stakeholders has also been proposed to trace contamination sources and decide on further action.
The contaminated samples were collected during surprise checks conducted jointly by the Health Department, Kochi Corporation, Food Safety Department, and police. The most probable number (MPN) of coliform bacteria in the samples ranged from 17 per 100 ml to 1,600 per 100 ml. Experts say the MPN should be zero in drinking water; the elevated counts indicate faecal contamination and make the water unfit for consumption.
Food Safety Assistant Commissioner Jose Lawrence said periodic checks of water bottling units in the city had not previously shown E. coli. He added that inspections would now focus more on water cans as well. A complaint from Kalamassery about fungal growth in a can from a supplier is under investigation, with test results awaited.
The Kerala Hotels and Restaurants Association (KHRA) has called for more inspections to identify the source of contamination. KHRA State president G. Jayapal said hotels currently use packaged water with Indian Standards Institute (ISI) marking and that hoteliers would be directed to procure water only from reputed agencies.
Saju Abraham, State chairperson of the Consortium of Flat and Villa Owners Association, noted that while apartment complexes largely use KWA water, a significant share of residents depend on canned water. He stressed the importance of tracing the source of water supplied by private agencies and tankers, and of raising awareness among end users.