Kathmandu, July 12 -- Monsoon rains and flooding have contaminated drinking water sources across much of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley.

Tests carried out ten days ago by the Public Health Office, Kathmandu, found faecal coliform and E. coli in all drinking water samples collected from households and public taps.

Faecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria found in the intestines and faeces of warm-blooded animals. Their presence in drinking water indicates contamination by sewage or human faeces, officials say.

"We collected water samples from five different locations of Kathmandu district-Chandragiri Municipality, Kirtipur Municipality, Dakshinkali Municipality, Gokarnashwar Municipality and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City,...