Abstract
AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the bacteriological quality of water sources in the two rural areas of Uganda using the compartment bag test (CBT). In total, 200 water samples were collected from 69 different water sources and processed within 6 h of collection. Positive and negative controls were processed each day together with water samples. Physical parameters were measured in situ. Descriptive statistics were used to generate mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviations and percentages. The results indicated that 29% of the water sources met the National Standards and World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for drinking water. Sixty percent of the borehole, 44% of gravitational flow taps and 14% of roof rain water met the required standards. Of the open water sources, 75% of the rivers, 50% of open channels and 43% of unprotected dug wells plus 25% of protected springs and 9% of gravitational flow schemes had most probable number counts >100 Escherichia coli/100 mL of water. Most of the water sources in the study areas were not fit for human consumption without prior treatment. The CBT was found to be robust and easy to use in all field situations. The mean physical parameters of water sources were within the acceptable limits.
Highlights
Access to safe water and sanitation is a basic human right as recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 (World Health Organization (WHO) )
The mean of physical parameters of the water sources fell within the acceptable limits set by the Uganda National Standards for drinking water and the WHO Guidelines (Table 1)
This study has shown that the water in the study area was not fit for human consumption without prior treatment
Summary
Access to safe water and sanitation is a basic human right as recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 (World Health Organization (WHO) ). 1.8 billion people lack access to safe drinking water (Onda et al ; Bain et al a). In 2015, it was estimated that 663 million people worldwide still use unimproved water sources, including unprotected wells, springs and surface water. Half of all people using unimproved drinking. Three out of 10 people lack safely managed water services (UNICEF ). Water supply and its accessibility is Goal number 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6), and it aims at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030 (UNDP ).
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