Drinking water quality in rural areas and water related diseases in Kosova for the year 2007

Drinking water quality in rural areas and water related diseases in Kosova for the year 2007 Authors: Burim Kotori, Burbuqe Nushi-Latifi, Adnora Nurboja, Melihate Morina, Naser Ramadani, Selvete Krasniqi National Institute of Public Health-Kosovo  Introduction  The National Institute of Public Health continuously controls the water quality in rural areas, including the sanitary-hygienic observations.Contaminated water supply is one source of transmission of diseases. Material and methods: .The level of dangerousness is determined based on the hygienic-sanitary observations in the areas included in this research. The methodology of this research is based in the Manual No.1/2000 KNIPH/WHO. Water sampling standards / Laboratory analysis are based in the Standard methods for the examination for the water and waste water 20^th edition.  Results: In total, 4288 samples have been collected out of which 2144 for physical/chemical testing and 2144 for bacteriological testing. The results of physical/chemical testing shows that 27.6% of the samples do not meet the minimal standards for drinking water according to the IA 2/99. The bacteriological testing shows that 73.6% of the samples are contaminated and do not meet the minimal standards for drinking water according to the IA 2/99.Most frequent bacteriological contaminants are the bacteria of fecal origin (E.Coli, etc.).Epidemiological conditions in Kosovo – As a result of conatminated water usage, hydric diseases / sy diarrhea are very much present, since 73.6% of the samples shows fecal contamination.  Conclusions: Contamination of drinking water in rural areas of  Kosovo is very high. Deterioration of water quality in rural areas of  Kosovo does not adapt with the objectives of improving the living standard of population. Lack of infrastructure: construction and maintenance of (local) water system, lack of sewage system, irrigation systems and floods are the main factors that induce the drinking water contamination.