Alangad: In an alarming development, E coli was detected widely in wells and potable water supplied by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) in Ernakulam's Karumaloor. Residents of the affected areas have sought urgent preventive measures from the Health Department as the bacteria were present in the majority of samples sent for testing.

Health officials had recently conducted inspections at Veliyathunadu and nearby areas after around 30 residents were diagnosed with jaundice, and six among them succumbed to the disease.

Currently, the authorities are conducting tests on the water collected from wells in Karumaloor, and results of the tests completed so far indicate widespread presence of E coli. Incidentally, several residents are also testing the water they use on their own accord.

The bacteria were also found in neighbouring panchayats such as Alangad and Kadungallur. “Leakage from pipelines carrying potable water is taking place regularly, which might be leading to contamination by E coli,” said a health department official.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the utilisation of well water without tests by apartment complexes and business establishments. Even though panchayat authorities had announced public awareness campaigns on using safe water and fines on people who let out sewage into drains and those who use contaminated water, there was no follow-up.

“Considering the fact that jaundice had spread widely among the residents of the houses near Veliyathunad Welfare Trust, the health officials should take stern action against institutions functioning in unhygienic conditions,” said Muhammed Mehjoob, a member of the Karumaloor panchayat.