TY - JOUR T1 - Bacterial contamination of water used for holy water in Thailand JF - Journal of Soil and Water Conservation SP - 39A LP - 39A DO - 10.2489/jswc.63.2.39A VL - 63 IS - 2 AU - Viroj Wiwanitkit AU - Jamsai Suwansaksri Y1 - 2008/03/01 UR - http://www.jswconline.org/content/63/2/39A.abstract N2 - Many classes of pathogens excreted in feces are able to initiate waterborne infections (Leclerc et al. 2002). Fecal pathogens including enteric and aquatic bacteria, enteric viruses, and enteric protozoa are strongly resistant in the water environment and to most disinfectants (Leclerc et al. 2002). In developing tropical countries, gastrointestinal tract infections are common. Pathogenic organisms in water sources used for drinking are important causes of diarrhea. A growing list of waterborne contaminants has led some water suppliers to rely primarily on compliance monitoring as a mechanism for managing drinking water quality (Rizak et al. 2003). Calderon et al. (1993) asserted that the social, cultural, and economic characteristics that influence human exposure to waterborne contaminants need to be identified. A holistic approach to risk assessment and contamination prevention, including environmental monitoring and management, is necessary. The curative and restorative powers of holy water are part of Indochina's ritual beliefs. Many people, especially in rural provinces, believe that the intake of holy water can conquer illness or unluckiness. Holy water is available in most temples in Thailand. Holy water can be contaminated as a result of using of contaminated sources of water or unclean containers. Common sources of holy water include rainwater, … ER -