J A Oliphant1, M C Ryan, A Chu. 1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Samples of drinking water were collected directly from the personal water bottles of students at an elementary school in Calgary, Alberta. METHODS: Total and fecal coliforms and heterotrophic bacteria were enumerated using membrane filtration and agar plate count methods respectively. RESULTS: The Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (CWQG) criterion was exceeded for total coliform in 13.3% of 75 samples. Fecal coliform and total heterotrophic criteria were exceeded in 8.9% (of 68 samples) and 64.4% (of 76 samples) respectively. FINDINGS: The use of personal water bottles for students in elementary classrooms is not recommended.
BACKGROUND: Samples of drinking water were collected directly from the personal water bottles of students at an elementary school in Calgary, Alberta. METHODS: Total and fecal coliforms and heterotrophic bacteria were enumerated using membrane filtration and agar plate count methods respectively. RESULTS: The Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (CWQG) criterion was exceeded for total coliform in 13.3% of 75 samples. Fecal coliform and total heterotrophic criteria were exceeded in 8.9% (of 68 samples) and 64.4% (of 76 samples) respectively. FINDINGS: The use of personal water bottles for students in elementary classrooms is not recommended.