Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water at Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia.
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Date
2011-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Globally, 1.1 billion people rely on unsafe drinking water sources from lakes, rivers, and open wells. Many studies have confirmed that water related diseases not only remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide but also that the spectrum of disease is expanding and the incidence of many water related microbial diseases are increasing. Thus, water becomes contaminated with faecal material due to inadequate protection of the source, unhygienic practice of the community at the source and poor household handling practices.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess bacteriological quality of drinking water and to survey the possible sanitary risk factors at household level in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross- sectional study was carried out in Arba Minch town from November, 2010 to January, 2011. A total of 126 water samples were collected from main source, reservoir, pipe and household water in three rounds to determine bacteriological quality of drinking water. The bacteriological analysis was conducted at Arba Minch Regional Laboratory. Consequently, level of contaminations was determined on the bases of total coliforms and fecal coliforms existence.
Results: Water analysis of the study area demonstrated that 100% and 55% of household water samples were contaminated with total and faecal coliform bacteria respectively. Similarly, 10% and 5% of water samples taken from pipes were again contaminated with total and faecal coliform bacteria respectively. But, 100% of water samples taken from both main source and reservoir were free from any indicator bacteria. Accordingly, 100% of water samples taken from both main source & reservoir and 95% of water samples taken from pipes meet WHO guidelines. But, 5% of pipes and 100% of household water samples were found above the limits of WHO standards set for drinking water quality.
Conclusions: The majority of water samples in the study area were safe for drinking purpose from bacteriological point of view. But some water samples taken from pipes and almost all water samples taken from households were not recommended for drinking purpose. Therefore, training of local people to look after the water supply system, extension of hygiene and health education on sanitation could have a notable impact for the provision of safe water supply at community/household level.
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Keywords
Water quality, indicator bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, hygiene, main source water, reservoir water, pipe water and household water.