Demonstration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in drinking water in the borough of the Plateau, city of Savè in Benin

Abstract

AbstractBenin is located in West Africa in the tropical zone between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. The Plateau borough (city of Savè) in Benin faces problems of discontinuous access to drinking water due to its geographical location. This study focuses on the quality of drinking water available from source to final storage for domestic use. The Plateau borough has 23 hydraulic structures, 13 of which are non‐functional and 10 functional (in good condition), and seven of these were the subject of our study (water sampling at the source for bacteriological analysis). Quantitative data processing was reinforced by documentary research, socio‐anthropological surveys, qualitative data from field work, field analysis and laboratory bacteriological analysis on specimens collected during the study: water at the source, during transport, and storage. The sampling technique was divided into two parts: (a) choice of water points (type of structure); and (b) categories of actors submitted to the questionnaires. The results reveal that three types of hydraulic works serve as a source of drinking water for the population: Pumps with human propulsion; standpipes; and populations subscribed to the water distribution network of the Société Nationale des Eaux du Béni. Our analysis of 12 samples of water collected from pumps with human propulsion, standpipes and populations subscribed to the water distribution network found that 58.3% are drinkable and 41.6% are infected, and that links exist between water quality and poor human practices. The indices of infection of Escherichia coli and faecal coliform are all higher than the maximum value authorized by the World Health Organization, set at zero colony‐forming units per 100 ml of water (0 CFU/100 ml). Many problems which are confronted in Africa, including Benin, are a consequence of water supply problems, and the results of this study may be useful in the development of policies that could help improve the well‐being of communities. Recommendations are made on improving water quality management in Benin, including proposed actions for Municipal and Health Authorities.