The investigation of water quality index (WQI) and total coliform bacteria in water coolers water from various locations in faculty of applied sciences, UiTM Shah Alam / Azrena Azman

A study of water quality and bacteria analysis of water cooler water was carried out from various locations in faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM Shah Alam. Water quality index was determined by specific parameters such as BOD, COD, DO, NH3-N, TSS, and pH. Results show, according to Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (INWQS), all of the water coolers samples are in Class II, indicating that conventional treatment is needed before drinking. However, all the samples are above 80 which can be considered as clean. Total Coliform bacteria were also found in all the samples but comparing with Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (INWQS), the samples will be considered as in Class I because the numbers of bacteria colonies is below 100/colonies/lOOmL. However, Ministry of Health Drinking Water Standards stated that drinking waters should not contain above 10/lOOmL colonies of bacteria. In conclusion of this study indicates in terms of total coliform bacteria content in the water coolers water from the faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM is safe to be consumed as drinking water. However, some precautions should be exercised before drinking if we take WQI and class of water into consideration.