Random water quality tests reveal E coli in Hihifo area [1]
Friday, June 5, 2020 - 18:33. Updated on Monday, June 22, 2020 - 21:09.
By Eleanor Gee
Escherichia coli (E coli) bacteria has been discovered during random tests of water supplies to homes in Hihifo, Tongatapu, during a survey that was completed this week. More testing is needed to confirm and discover the extent of contamination.
Some E coli can cause illness such as watery diarrhoea or dysentery through contaminated water or food.
As World Environment Day is celebrated today, 5 June, it raises awareness on the improvements that Tonga's sanitation system requires.
The water testing was done as part of a recent survey of 302 out of 440 households in six communities to assess the water status in these communities by looking at their sanitation systems and its impact on the environment.
The survey was completed this week by the Ministry of Natural Resources Integration Water and Coastal Management Project in Ha’atafu, Kanokupolu, ‘Ahau, Kolovai, Ha’avakatolo, and Fo’ui .
National Project Coordinator, Silia Leger, told Matangi Tonga they decided to run bacteriological testing of the water from some houses while doing the survey.
“We did not expect the water tests would find E coli present,” she said.
The tests confirm that pollution is occurring in the area, however Silia said they needed to plan a thorough water quality testing in this district to confirm the initial results.
The survey found that the main land based pollutants were coming from the toilets and waste water through the communities’ washing and bathing activities.
Sanitation systems
A range of sanitation systems were found in the households surveyed including flush toilets, pit toilets and pour toilets.
The survey found that a large number of sealed septic tanks (55) had not been pumped for more than 15 years in the study area, leading to a conclusion that they could possibly be cracked and leaking as the recommended duration for pumping septic tanks is between three to five years.
Other septic tanks were found not to have a sealed bottom.
“We found out that some pour toilets either have no septic tanks or has a pit like bottom,” said Silia.
The survey also revealed there had been an increase in the number of pit toilets since the national census in 2016, which appeared to be related to the increase in the number of migrants to the area.
The survey also found that about 80% of surveyed households poured their washing waste water (kitchen sink, laundry, and bathing) directly on to the ground while 36% directed their bathing waste water into a soaker system.
As most of the six communities are situated at an elevation of less than three meters from sea level, according to the survey, the groundwater under the six villages is vulnerable to being contaminated by waste water.
Underground water
Silia and her team also held consultations with the Hihifo communities to raise awareness of their household activities and the negative impact it has on underground water as well as coastal areas.
Tongatapu draws its drinking water from underground lenses.
They also advised the communities on what they could do to minimize these negative impacts on the environment, including accessing donor funding to address these issues.
The consultation team included MP Losaline Ma’asi; Hihifo district and town officers; Dr Joseph Takai from the Ministry of Health; Dr Leonaitasi Hoponoa from Tonga Mental Health and Disability Association; the Natural Resources Division and project staff.
One of the long-term goals for the department is to change the way sanitation systems are constructed in Tonga. There are currently pilot programmes of the different types of sanitation systems that are environmentally friendly such as a toilet compost system trialed.
Silia recommended that a Stakeholder Consultation between Government agencies and other organizations, including construction companies needs to be held.
The national census survey also needs to be re-designed to include the different types of sanitation systems, "because it's also misleading in terms of wealth, health and well-being of Tonga".
She also recommends another Household Survey should be carried out.
E coli
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), E coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of people and animals.
While most E coli are harmless, some can cause illness such as diarrhoea, through contaminated water or food or by contacting animals or persons. Other types of E coli can cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
E Coli is a common contaminant of seafood in the tropics and is often encountered in high numbers.
The Tonga Ministry of Health’s Annual Report 2016 stated there were 191 admissions to Vaiola Hospital for diarrhoea and gastroenteritis infections, with 134 to the paediatric ward and 57 to the medical ward during that year.