Survey data shows high level of e-coli presence in drinking water

A concerning early finding from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7) was released on Friday by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), revealing high traces of E. coli contamination in drinking water samples across the country. The results come from the national water-quality testing component of MICS7, conducted using standardized UNICEF protocols. According to SIB, the preliminary national trend shows widespread detection of E. coli, pointing to a significant public-health concern affecting both rural and urban households. Although the full district-level breakdown has not yet been released, the early indication is that many Belizeans are consuming water that does not meet basic safety standards.  SIB’s Statistician Wendy Benavides was on The Morning Show today where she explained that the e-coli contamination could be from the containers or the water itself.

Wendy Benavides, Statistician, Statistical Institute of Belize: “Water quality indeed was a very daunting one as well. There were very high levels. We tested for E. coli and that was fecal components in the water. We had a sample of water that was collected from the household and one from the sewer so even both of them had remnants of, or enough remnants of E. coli. This is country wide.”

Renee Trujillo, Host, The Morning Show: So you’re talking the tap water? 

Wendy Benavides, Statistician, Statistical Institute of Belize: “Whatever water they use to drink. So if it’s tap water, even the purified one, we got a sample from the dispenser, or however they get it, or in a cup. We got a sample of that and the numbers are very high for water contamination.”

Troy Gabb, Host, The Morning Show: So it could be either water quality or it could be some containers they’re using. 

Wendy Benavides, Statistician, Statistical Institute of Belize: “Yes, so I encourage the public to clean those containers.”

The water-testing methodology, outlined in the MICS7 Water Quality Testing Form,requires trained field teams to collect household drinking water samples and source-water samples, incubate them for 24 to 36 hours, and then record the number of blue E. coli colonies detected in each 100 ml sample. The MICS7 survey also assessed how households store their drinking water and whether they treat it using methods such as boiling, filtering, chlorination, or solar disinfection. Despite some households reporting treatment practices, E. coli contamination was still found, highlighting issues with water sources, storage, and distribution systems. Public health experts note that the presence of E. coli signals fecal contamination, which can cause diarrheal diseases, gastrointestinal infections, and serious complications for children, the elderly, and immuno-compromised individuals.  SIB is expected to provide a full analytical report once all water-quality data is processed.