Assessment of Microbial Quality and Fluoride Content of Potable Water in Rural Government Primary Schools of Mundargi Taluk, Karnataka, India

Safe drinking water is essential for public health; however, rural communities often face challenges due to chemical and microbial contamination of potable water. Fluoride contamination is a major public health concern because prolonged consumption of excess fluoride can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, while microbial contamination increases the risk of waterborne diseases. The present study aimed to assess the microbial quality and fluoride content of potable water from Government Primary Schools in Doni and Kalkeri villages of Mundargi Taluk, Karnataka, India. A total of 20 potable water samples were collected from different drinking water sources located near the selected schools. Fluoride concentration was determined using standard laboratory procedures, and microbial quality was evaluated by microbiological analysis following standard methods. Among the 20 water samples analyzed, 18 contained fluoride concentrations above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 1.0 mg/L, while only two samples met the recommended standard. Microbiological examination further revealed that only two water samples were free from microbial contamination and considered suitable for drinking, whereas the remaining samples showed microbial contamination, indicating poor water quality. Kalkeri village recorded comparatively higher fluoride concentrations than Doni village. The findings demonstrate that most potable water sources in the study area are unsuitable for human consumption because of elevated fluoride levels and microbial contamination. Regular monitoring of drinking water quality, together with appropriate water treatment measures such as filtration, chlorination, and community awareness programs, is essential to ensure safe drinking water and to reduce the risk of fluorosis and waterborne diseases in rural communities.

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