Composition of coliform bacteria presenting in different samples.csv

Background: Anguilla is a dry to semi-arid island in the Caribbean where the majority of residents rely on roof-harvested rain water. The objective of this study was to assess the presence of indicator coliform bacteria and associated health risk to the consumer in Anguilla. Methods: Tap water samples were collected from 86 homes using harvested rain water for daily need. Bacterial count was enumerated by membrane filtration and culture on Difco Modified mTEC Agar and Hach m-ColiBlue24 agar. Bacteria grown on agar plates were counted by using darkfield colony counter. Results: Eighty seven percent samples were positive for indicator bacteria. Thermotolerant <i>E.coli</i> was grown in 56.6% samples, 78% of the household are drinking roof harvested rain water without any proper treatment. Only 28% household are cleaning the cisterns regularly, 45% of respondents who regularly drink cistern water experienced gastroenteritis, however only 10% respondents who only drink bottle water experienced gastroenteritis. Conclusions: Coliform bacteria were detected in roof-harvested rain water throughout Anguilla and posed a potential health risk to the consumers. Roof harvested rain water required a proper treatment for consumption.