Abstract
Open defaecation leads to faecal matter contamination of drinking water which can cause water borne diseases. The study assessed the linkage between sanitation practices and microbial quality of drinking water of open defaecation free and open defaecation communities in the Savelugu Municipality. A cross-sectional survey of 170 households was conducted in five open defaecation free and five open defaecation communities in the Savelugu Municipality. A total of 78 samples were collected from water sources and households and analysed for Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp. Sanitation facilities used by the residents included pit latrine (88.24%), no latrine (11.17%), and flush (0.59%). The study observed improper disposal of children faeces in the communities. E. coli count ranged from 0 to 15 CFU/100 ml in open defaecation free communities and 0 to 32 CFU/100 ml in open defaecation communities. The microbial load in the drinking water from open defaecation communities was higher than open defaecation free communities. Open defaecation practice leads to contamination of household water probably due to unsanitary. Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) should be encouraged in open defaecation communities.
Highlights
IntroductionMost people do not have any form of sanitation services and access to clean water
In developing countries, most people do not have any form of sanitation services and access to clean water
According to World Health Organisation (2017) 159 million people largely rely on surface water sources like rivers for drinking water whilst 423 million rely on unprotected springs for water that is connected to transmission of water-associated diseases
Summary
Most people do not have any form of sanitation services and access to clean water. According to World Health Organisation (2017) 159 million people largely rely on surface water sources like rivers for drinking water whilst 423 million rely on unprotected springs for water that is connected to transmission of water-associated diseases. 61 open defaecation, in most developing nations and mostly in rural areas (WHO & UNICEF, 2015). Lack of adequate sanitation contributes to contamination of drinking water due to open defaecation which has health effect on the public. Open defaecation elimination is seen as a main health outcome. WHO reported that 1.8 billion people drink water polluted with Escherichia coli, which is an indicator of fresh faecal matter contamination (Bain et al, 2014)?
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