The relationship of cholera to water source and use in rural Bangladesh.

The cholera experience of a sample of families in a rural area of Bangladesh is reported in relation to water supply and use. Tanks were the primary source for 65% of families, canals for 20% and the river for 14%. The highest attack rate was associated with access to canal water (13%). Attack rates did not vary markedly according to the purpose for which a source was used. The importance of cultural patterns in water use is identified.