Darchula – Dangerous levels of E. coli bacteria have been detected in drinking water distributed in Khalanga, the district headquarters of Darchula. According to a recent test conducted by the Darchula District Health Office, water samples collected from five locations revealed contamination in four of them.
Health Office Chief Birendra Prasad Bhatt confirmed the presence of E. coli was due to contaminated and untreated water. This investigation was initiated after an increase in complaints about muddy and unclear water over the past two weeks.
Bhatt explained that E. coli is commonly found in water contaminated with human or animal feces. The water being supplied to Khalanga originates from Garakhu Khola in Mahakali Municipality–3. Notably, a video of a dead dog floating in the same stream went viral on social media about a month ago.
Despite this, water from the river was directly funneled into storage tanks in Dungri and then supplied through taps without proper chlorination, making the water visibly dirty and unsafe.
The bacteria were found in samples taken from the source, treatment units, and household taps, raising alarm about the entire water supply system. Chief Bhatt emphasized the urgent need for consumer awareness, recommending boiling or filtering water before use.
The level of chlorine in the water also does not meet the standards set by Nepal’s Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Directive 2070 (amended in 2076). As a result, the Health Office has advised the Khalanga Urban Drinking Water Project to ensure regular chlorination and proper water treatment before distribution.
In its report, the office also recommended proper sanitation around the water source, routine monitoring of pipelines, and the prevention of mixing with other contaminated sources. Chief District Officer Anil Poudel stated that Mahakali Municipality has been instructed to improve water quality and sanitation measures accordingly.
In addition, public messages urging residents to boil and purify water, especially during Ashar, Saun, and Bhadra months, will be broadcast through media channels.
On Ashar 15, CDO Poudel called an emergency meeting and directed a field inspection of the water source and distribution system. On Ashar 16 and 17, teams from the Water Supply Office, the Consumer Committee, and the Health Office jointly inspected the sites and collected samples.
The report confirms that the supplied water does not meet national safety standards. Currently, over 2,200 households in Mahakali Municipality Wards 4 and 5 receive water from Garakhu Khola.
Maheshraj Bhatt, President of Darchula’s civil society, said public pressure helped prompt testing and inspection, and now some improvements are underway.
The Khalanga Urban Water and Sanitation Project, initiated in fiscal year 2077/78, was expected to be completed within 1.5 years at a cost of NPR 290 million. However, construction work by Gwalek Construction Services has remained incomplete. According to Consumer Committee Secretary Khadak Singh Dhami, the contractor is currently out of contact.
The committee had earlier recommended replacing around 400 meters of pipeline, reinforcing sections of the water line, and avoiding open lines. Due to the failure to implement these recommendations, the project has not yet been handed over.
The project is funded with 70% grant from the Asian Development Bank, 25% loan from the Urban Development Fund, and the rest collected from local consumers. However, complaints have emerged that the filter system installed at Dungri is not functioning effectively.
Following the viral video of the dead dog in the water source, many local residents have resorted to collecting water directly from nearby springs. With the monsoon season in full swing, health officials strongly urge boiling or filtering water before drinking to avoid health hazards.
