Abstract
Abstract Despite drinking water supply in Kobo town is from a borehole through pipes, a high incidence of waterborne diseases are frequently reported. Hence, this study aimed to assess the bacteriological and physicochemical drinking water quality in Kobo town. One hundred and twenty water samples were collected from four sampling sites (the source, reservoir, taps, and households' containers) from February to April 2020. Total and fecal coliforms were counted from the water samples using membrane filtration while selected physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. The mean counts of total and fecal coliforms ranged from 3.9 to 22.9 and 1 to 13.6 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Hence, all water samples did not satisfy the WHO guidelines and national standards. There were statistically significant differences in the coliform counts between the different sampling sites, and the counts were significantly higher in the taps and households' containers compared to the counts in the source and reservoir (p < 0.05). All physicochemical parameters, except for temperature, were within the recommended acceptable limits. High coliform count in the water system demands proper maintenance of the distribution line and good hygiene practices at household level to improve the microbiological quality of drinking water in Kobo town.
Highlights
95.8% (115/120) of the drinking water samples were positive for total coliforms (TC) and did not comply with the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline or national standard
The highest (22.9 CFU/100 mL) and the lowest (3.9 CFU/mL) mean TC counts were recorded in the water samples taken from households’ containers and water samples taken from the reservoir, respectively (Table 1)
The results of this study suggest an awareness raising campaign on best drinking water handling practices for the community in Kobo town
Summary
Delivering adequate and potable water to all citizens is among the top priorities of governments in all nations. Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all, and almost all countries in the world have promised to achieve SDGs (WHO a). Despite the efforts, drinking water pollution continues to pose health threats to communities in low-income nations. Nigus | Drinking water quality in Kobo town, Ethiopia, 2020
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