Our day began at the water collection point in Bandar Puteri Jaya.There we met PPKP Mr. Zamani bin Mohd Noor, the health officer from KMAM (kualiti mutu air minuman kebangsaan) of Kuala Muda district.We observed collection of water sample for bacteria analysis and physical testing both of which are done weekly.Chemical analysis for organic and inorganic chemicals plus pesticides are done monthly.Kuala Muda district is divided into 4 zones where water samples are collected on different days of the week.Today we were taken on the Jeniang route.These water samples were taken from a designated JKR water collection point (as seen below).Ideally any water sample should be collected from these collection point.In circumstances that this cannot be done,water may be collected from water sources in the surounding areas (houses,commercial areas etc)
Water collection point at Bandar Puteri Jaya
To collect samples free of environmental contaminants the tap mouth and pipe is sterilised using a Bunsen burner.Then the water is allow to run for a few minutes before the samples are collected in thio bags (see below) Thio bags contain thiosulphate,which dechlorinates the water.If any microorganisms are present in the water,it will not be eliminated by the chlorine content in the treated water.
Collected sample of water
Then the water samples are stored in this container and sent to the chemical department in Alor Star within 24 hours.Samples are considered to be contaminated if kept for more than 24 hours.
Next the physical analysis was done.Physical analysis comprised of color,clarity,pH,temperature and amount of residual chlorine in the water.Each test is conducted individually.Analysis is using pocket machines in the SADA vehicle.
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