CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of Kerala groundwater quality and its hydrochemical process. In drinking water context the physiochemical parameters are not affected by anthropogenic activities, which is supported by the low nitrate and sulphate values. The problem in the Kerala groundwater arises due to the low pH and infestation with faecal coliform bacteria. Bacterial contamination arises from the unhygienic practices. The groundwater of Kerala can be considered for portable usage if the bacterial contamination is curbed and the pH levels are maintained within the desirable limit. Health hazard due to coliform contamination could be minimized by maintaining better hygiene with good sanitation facilities and practices such as like chlorination, boiling and filtration of drinking water prior to use, and constructing the septic tanks away from the drinking water source (well). The periodical of drinking water quality of wells, checking for leakage from drinking water and septic tank pipelines will ensures the safe drinking water. Government, non-govermental organisations, and local institutions can come forward to give free analysis for some important water quality parameters to provide health and hygienic condition. And also conducting awareness programs to maintain hygiene condition around the drinking water source by the concerned government, non-government organizations, and local institutions would lead to a safer drinking water forever.