Our Open Well Water Looks Clear, But Is It Really Safe to Drink?

Water comes out of the tap looking clear and clean. Most of us assume it is safe. But a recent Kerala Water Authority (KWA) laboratory test from our area shows why looks can be misleading.

This post explains, in simple Indian English, what the test results mean, what health risks are involved, and what practical steps every household can take.

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Why we tested the water

A water sample collected from a private open well, stored in an overhead tank, was tested at the KWA Quality Control Laboratory, Chittur. The test covered:

• Physical and chemical quality (pH, hardness, TDS, minerals etc.)
• Microbiological quality (bacteria like E. coli)

The goal was simple: Is this water safe to drink?

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The good news: chemistry of the water is fine

The test shows that, chemically, our water is quite good.

In simple words:

• pH is balanced – not acidic, not corrosive
• TDS is low to moderate – water will not harm kidneys
• Hardness is within limits – acceptable for daily use
• Calcium and magnesium are balanced – useful minerals
• Nitrates, fluoride, iron, chloride – all within safe limits

So there is no chemical poisoning risk here. No heavy metals. No fertiliser contamination. This is actually better than water in many places.

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The bad news: bacterial contamination detected

The serious problem is bacteria.

The lab report clearly shows:

• Total coliform bacteria present
• E. coli bacteria present

As per Indian drinking water standards, both should be ZERO.

Presence of E. coli means:

• Faecal contamination
• Water is unsafe to drink directly

This usually happens due to:

• Old or leaking pipelines
• Sewage mixing during pressure drops
• Dirty overhead tanks
• Lack of proper chlorination

In short: open well water may be chemically good, but can get bacterially contaminated due to environmental exposure and poor storage conditions.

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Health risks if this water is consumed untreated

Drinking bacterially contaminated water can cause:

Common problems

• Loose motion and diarrhoea
• Stomach pain, gas, bloating
• Vomiting and fever
• Dehydration

More serious risks

• Severe gastroenteritis
• Typhoid and dysentery
• Hepatitis A (long-term exposure)
• Kidney stress due to dehydration

High-risk groups

• Children
• Elderly people
• Heart patients

Many people ignore mild stomach issues thinking it is “food problem” or “age issue”. Very often, water is the real cause.

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Does boiling water solve the problem?

Yes – but only partially.

• Boiling water for 1–2 minutes kills E. coli and other bacteria
• Boiled water is safe at that moment

But boiling does NOT:

• Prevent re-contamination after cooling
• Clean pipes or tanks
• Give long-term protection

Once boiled water is stored and handled normally, bacteria can return.

Boiling is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.

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Will RO + UV purifier solve the issue?

Yes, it will make the water safe.

But there is an important point many sellers won’t tell you.

What actually matters here

• The problem is bacteria, not chemicals
• UV is the key component – it kills bacteria

Is RO really needed?

• Our water TDS is already low
• RO removes useful minerals
• RO wastes a lot of water

Best option for our water

Ideal setup:

• UV + UF + Carbon filter
  • UV kills bacteria
  • UF removes fine particles
  • Carbon improves taste and smell
  • No water wastage

RO + UV:

• Acceptable if already installed
• Use reject water for cleaning and plants

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Important step everyone forgets: tank cleaning

Even the best purifier cannot help if:

• Overhead tank is dirty
• Sludge is present at the bottom

What to do:

• Clean overhead tanks once in 6 months
• Use proper cleaning and mild chlorination

This single step alone reduces contamination drastically.

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Important clarification about the water source

This test does NOT relate to municipality tap water or KWA distribution pipelines.

• The tested water was drawn from a private open well
• The water was stored in an overhead tank before testing
• This is household-level water management, not a municipal supply issue

This distinction is important to avoid confusion.

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Role of Kerala Water Authority

The report shows residual chlorine is NIL.

Chlorine is essential because:

• It prevents bacteria from growing again
• It protects water inside pipelines

As households using open well water, we must:

• Protect the well from surface contamination
• Clean overhead tanks regularly
• Use proper household-level disinfection

Clean water is a public health responsibility, not a favour.

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Final takeaway

• Water looks clear but is bacterially unsafe
• Chemistry is good, biology is the problem
• Boiling works short-term
• UV purification is the real solution
• Tank hygiene and chlorination are critical

Safe drinking water is not luxury. It is basic civic infrastructure.

Let us stay informed, take simple precautions, and demand better systems – for our health and for the next generation.

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