The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of water for human consumption in Bécal, rural community of México. The presence of total and fecal coliforms, as well as aerobic plate counts in differents places of the water distribution network, in intradomiciliary deep pools and rainwater cistern system were investigated. Results from this set of experiments suggest the existance of local social and environmental factors that open the way for water contamination with organic material in the water sources studied. We demonstrated the necessity of performing a careful sanitary control and proper handling of water for human consumption through programs of systematic surveillance of the water supplies in order to provide good quality water to the population of this rural community. Additionally, it is necessary to perform educational programs about procedures for preservation of hygiene with special reference to prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.