Wells sanitary inspection and water quality monitoring in Ban Nam Khem (Thailand) 30 months after 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

This paper reports the results of a study
conducted in Ban Nam Khem village, the most
hit in Thailand by 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami,
aimed to evaluate either the actual state and operation
of numerous domestic wells present in
the village or the quality of drawn groundwater.
Data show that most critical chemical–physical
parameters are turbidity, total organic carbon and
iron, whereas conductivity has greatly decreased
in comparison with the February 2005 monitoring
campaign. Furthermore, a high faecal contamination
related to both constructive and operational
deficiencies was detected in most monitored wells;
therefore, measures aimed at improving habits
in well operation and favouring water domestic
treatment are necessary.