Abstract
Water security and safety is of vital concern in arid and semiarid regions of Kenya. Potable water accessibility and supply is limited due to fluctuating climatic conditions and environmental pollution that lower the wholesomeness of most water sources. The aim of this study was to establish the suitability of these water sources for drinking and use in industrial food processing by the small and medium enterprises (SME's). The aim of this study was to establish suitability of these water sources for drinking and use in industrial food processing by the small and medium enterprises (SME's). A total of 60 surface and ground water sources samples were purposively collected aseptically from the four administrative units (Ngare Mara, LMD, Leparua, and Wabera) of Isiolo County. ISO 16649-3, 688-2, 7937, 9308-1, and 18744 were used for enumeration of E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium pafringens, Coliforms, and cysts. Highest mean Clostridium pafringens counts in ground and surface water were 1452 Cfu/ml and 3421 Cfu/ml, respectively. Mean Staphylococcus aureus counts were 740 Cfu/ml and 1333 Cfu/ml in surface water and ground water, respectively. Escherichia coli and Coliforms contamination accounted for 29.88 % and 88.2 %, respectively. Microbial counts in the water sources differed significantly (p≤0.05). Total coliforms had a significant negative relationship (r = -0.76) with residual chlorine. Ground and surface water sources were highly contaminated with microorganism to levels regarded as unsafe by the Kenyan and WHO standards for potable water. Point-of-use water disinfection is thus necessary.
Highlights
Water is an important component of every life [1,2,3,4]
Chlorinated urban water was sampled from Isiolo Water and Sewerage Company (IWASCO) consumer unit taps
The presence of Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and Clostridium pafringens in higher counts in ground water indicates contamination by potentially dangerous faecal matter and other pathogens that compromises the safety of such water sources [34]
Summary
Water is an important component of every life [1,2,3,4]. Water supply and accessibility is goal 6 of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and aims at ensuring environmental sustainability [3, 4]. In a bid to promote healthy living among inhabitants of the county, a reliable potable water access is essential for sustainable development, health, food production, and poverty alleviation [4, 10]. Water shortage and pollution of the readily accessible water sources are evident in many regions of the developing nations [3, 6, 11]. This is largely attributed to low level of personal hygiene and inadequate treatment facilities for water and wastes that are consequent pollutants [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
