---
title: "Six Kerala rivers show high faecal contamination in CPCB monitoring"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/six-kerala-rivers-high-contamination-pwuex
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Science & Technology
published: 2026-08-19T12:02:34.873Z
modified: 2026-08-19T14:00:08.372Z
language: en-IN
---

# Six Kerala rivers show high faecal contamination in CPCB monitoring

A CPCB monitoring study across six rivers in Keralam found faecal contamination levels exceeding safe limits, with total coliform counts reaching up to 5.5 lakh MPN per 100 ml. Authorities say illegal wastewater discharge and sewage management gaps are driving the spike, prompting action against cul

## Key takeaways

- Six rivers in Keralam exhibited total coliform levels above CPCB bathing-water limits during February to May 2026.
- The Irumpanam stretch of the Chitrapuzha recorded the highest total coliform count at 5.5 lakh MPN/100 ml.
- readings from Karamana, Periyar, Kadambrayar, Chitrapuzha, Chalakudy and Kallai show widespread contamination linked to untreated domestic wastewater.
- Civic authorities have been instructed to act against illegal discharges and to increase surveillance.

## What Happened

The Central Pollution Control Board's National Water Quality Monitoring Programme analysed water samples from six rivers in Keralam—Karamana, Periyar, Kadambrayar, Chitrapuzha, Chalakudy and Kallai—between February and May 2026. Across the monitoring points, total coliform counts ranged from 4,500 MPN per 100 ml to 5.5 lakh MPN per 100 ml. The legally permissible limit for total coliform in bathing water, according to CPCB norms, is below 2,500 MPN per 100 ml. Samples are taken at fixed locations along 32 polluted river stretches in Kerala every month, with results compiled by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and submitted to the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Specific readings include: - Moonattumukku in Karamana: February 2026 total coliform 27,000 MPN/100 ml; faecal coliform 11,000 MPN/100 ml. - Periyar (April 2026 spike): Eloor 7,000 MPN/100 ml; Aluva 4,600 MPN/100 ml; Pathalam near Edayar industrial area 2.5 lakh MPN/100 ml; Kalamassery 63,000 MPN/100 ml. - Kadambrayar (Kochi area): Brahmapuram 79,000 MPN/100 ml; Manakkakadavu 40,000 MPN/100 ml. - Chitrapuzha (Irumpanam stretch): 5.5 lakh MPN/100 ml—the highest recorded. - Chalakudy: Pulikkkadavu 7,000 MPN/100 ml. - Kallai: May 2026 readings across six monitoring stations varied from 15,000 to 2 lakh MPN/100 ml.

## Why It Matters

The readings indicate widespread faecal contamination in major watercourses, surpassing the CPCB’s bathing-water standard in multiple locations. Officials indicated that the spike is linked to untreated domestic wastewater discharges and gaps in sewage management, with authorities directing civic bodies to pursue and monitor illegal discharges and strengthen surveillance.

## Background

The data come from the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme, with results prepared by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and sent to the central Jal Shakti ministry. The programme tracks 32 polluted river stretches in Kerala on a monthly cadence, focusing on indicators such as total coliform and faecal coliform to assess fecal contamination in surface water.

## Key Facts

 
- Rivers tested: Karamana, Periyar, Kadambrayar, Chitrapuzha, Chalakudy, Kallai.
 
- Timeframe: February 2026 to May 2026.
 
- Max observed total coliform: 5.5 lakh MPN/100 ml (Chitrapuzha Irumpanam).
 
- Max observed faecal coliform: 11,000 MPN/100 ml (Moonattumukku, Karamana) in February 2026.
 
- Public health benchmark: CPCB limit for bathing water < 2,500 MPN/100 ml for total coliform.
 
- Reported drivers: untreated domestic wastewater discharges and sewage-management gaps.
 
- Administrative response: officials directed to act against illegal wastewater discharge and to boost surveillance.

## What Happens Next

The report notes that directions have been issued to civic bodies to pursue enforcement against illegal discharges and to intensify monitoring. The ongoing monthly sampling will continue under the monitoring programme, with results feeding into central and state authorities’ assessment of water quality and potential remediation needs.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/six-kerala-rivers-high-contamination-pwuex
Reported from: Multiple Sources