Résumé:
Water, a simple molecule, is indispensable for the continuity of all kinds of life and the development of populations. The increase in water requirements and the availability of good quality water remains a topical challenge, particularly for Algeria.
A study of the microbiological characteristics of drinking water was carried out at the "Laboratory of Hygiene" (Mostaganem wilaya).
A sample of seven (07) samples taken from tap and well water in the hygiene laboratory was investigated. These samples were subjected to microbiological analyzes using the membrane filtration method to ensure the microbial quality of the water. These are based on the investigation and enumeration of total germs (total coliform and thermo-tolerant, fecal Streptococci and Clostridium sulfito-reducing) and Salmonella.
Based on the results obtained, tap water is of acceptable bacteriological quality as these results are in accordance with ISO standards and WHO recommendations for drinking water, as this water is treated with chlorine. However, bacteriological contamination of faecal origin in well water was observed, due to lack of regular cleaning and maintenance of the well and the results were higher than the values set by the WHO and the Algerian regulations.
We recommend a more rigorous disinfection of the well by several means that can eliminate these bacteria and the water will then become clean and consumable.