Faecal waste pollutes drinking water in Mexico’s Yucatan, Greenpeace says

Faecal bacteria are contaminating wells and cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatan state, a vital source of drinking water, according to a Greenpeace report published on Tuesday. Tests conducted in August at 17 sites near Merida found contamination in every sample; total coliforms reached the test’s upper limit in 16 samples and faecal coliforms in 13. Pig2Bac testing at laboratories at Johns Hopkins University and Mexico’s National Autonomous University detected pig faecal matter, while municipal wastewater and leaking septic tanks may also contribute. Greenpeace called for an immediate moratorium on new industrial livestock operations and farm expansions.