HYDROGEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ENDEMIC NEPHROPATHY FOCI

By comparison of topographical distribution of endemic nephropathy foci and hydro- geological structure of affected areas, it has been found that very slow velocity of the base flow in the aquifer from which their water supply is derived is the general characteristic of all endemic villages. In one small town surrounded by endemic settlements there is no endemic nephropathy, although the water pumped for its waterworks is derived from the same aquifer which supplies inhabitants of the most known endemic focus. It is suggested that the creation of a cone of depression might prevent occurrence of the disease, possibly by quicker groundwater flow and shorter period of pollution in the well. © 1979 The Society of Community Medicine.