Determination of microbial contamination of water used in the household for domestic purposes in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Globally, 45% of the global population, showing that the compliance level is very low in most developing countries. In Kenya, 10% of all deaths caused by waterborne illnesses are due to water scarcity and poor sanitation. Mombasa County is facing a major problem in the provision of domestic water to its residents, thus causing a water shortage.Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Mombasa County between November 2020-March 2021. 55 water samples were randomly collected for analysis of microbial contamination. Using stata for analysis, t-test was calculated to determine the relationship with p<0.05.Results: TC mean for boreholes was ±761.68 CFU and tap water was ±712.23 CFU. There was a significant difference in means between the two groups for TC (t=7.38, df=41.94, p=0.000). Faecal coliforms (FC) for borehole and tap water was ±739.52 CFU and ±115.42 CFU respectively. FC showed a significant difference between the two groups (t=3.74, df=36.84 and p=0.0003). HPC means for borehole and tap water of water were ±7730.62 CFU and ±4092.12 CFU respectively. There was no significant difference in means for HPC for the two groups (t=1.73, df=53 and p=0.0445). 34.3% (n=12) and 20% (n=4) of boreholes and tap water were contaminated with salmonella respectively. None of the water samples collected had Shigella. Conclusions: All borehole water samples stored in the household storage containers were more contaminated than tap water, hence not fit to be consumed in the household.