Microbiological Examination of Omi-Ebo Stream and Pipeborne Water Supply in Ile-Ife for Potability

Abstract

The microbiological quality of a surface water source without any form of treatment and that of a selected treated pipe-borne water supply, all used for domestic purposes by the Ile-Ife community, were investigated to present baseline data on potability before the commencement of the new Ede water works. Water samples from Omi-ebo stream were taken from two types of sites viz: undisturbed surface water and agitated water from the stream edge and areas of decaying organic matter. The total bacterial count and coliform density of the agitated water were higher than those of the undisturbed surface water indicating that most of the micro-organisms are associated with decomposing organic matter. The coliform density (MPN method) and the total bacteria count showed gross faecal contamination of this water source. Isolation of E. coli type I and the presence of Clostridium melchii pointed to recent faecal and_remote pollution of this source. The presence of other heterotrophic bacteria with varying pigmentations was noted. The pipe-borne water samples indicated some degree of faecal pollution and did not meet the WHO standards for potable water. The baseline data suggest that the water supply sources io this community do not meet the acceptable standard. Efforts should be made by the local government to facilitate the completion of the Ede water works in order to fulfill the primary healthcare objective of providing an adequate potable water supply to the Ile-Ife community.