The comprehensive water quality studies on the River Ganga were undertaken at Fatehgarh and Kannauj (U.P.) during [1987][1988][1989][1990]. The data revealed significant seasonal variations in the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the river water. The remarkably high level of coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci reflects the poor quality of the water. Some of the Escherichia coli isolates from the test stretch also exhibited multiple drug resistance. These pollutants render the water unfit for drinking and bathing and may pose serious problems related to public health. 0 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.