High faecal contamination levels detected in six Keralam rivers
As per analysis of water samples done under National Water Quality Monitoring Programme, the total coliform count, which indicates faecal contamination, recorded at polluted stretches of the six rivers varied between 4,500 MPN (most probable number) per 100 ml to 5.5 lakh MPN from February to May this year
A recent study conducted under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Keralam has uncovered dangerously high levels of faecal contamination in six rivers. The water samples taken from the Karamana, Periyar, Kadambrayar, Chitrapuzha, Chalakudy and Kallai rivers between February and May 2026 showed elevated levels of total coliform - a key indicator of faecal pollution.
The contamination levels ranged from 4,500 most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliters to a staggering 5.5 lakh MPN across the monitoring stations along these rivers.
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