[Microbiological quality of water in livestock area of southern Chile and its possible implications on human health].

INTRODUCTION A significant proportion of water for human consumption has an underground origin becoming 80% in Chilean rural areas where profound wells represent the only search of water for human and animal beverage. AIM To study the microbiological quality of water from agricultural land for livestock production in the province of Valdivia (40°S), Chile and its potential impact on human health. MATERIAL AND METHOD Water samples were collected monthly (2008 - 2009), at the entrance and exit of a water stream running through the field and in well water used for human and animal consumption. The total coliform (Tc) and Escherichia coli were determined by the confirmatory method Quanti-Tray together with other physicochemical assessments in the water and climatic variables. RESULTS In samples from the stream water and wells, the Most Probable Number of Tc and E. coli exceeded the standard Chilean Norm of Water Quality (NCh 409/1) for human consumption. CONCLUSION These results show the need to regulate the environmental impact of farming and cattle production and to monitor the drinking water to meet the minimum standards of health protection.