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ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIOLOGICAL AND PHYSIO CHEMICAL QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER IN CASE OF SHAMBU TOWN, OROMIA,ETHIOPIA [Abstract ID: 0608-05]
Water quality is a critical factor affecting human health and welfare. Ethiopia is one of the worst countries in the world for health status and water quality problems, with only 52% of its population having access to safe water. As a result, 60-80% of the population suffers from water-borne and water-related diseases. Shambu Town is not free of this problem, since people are still using unprotected wells and springs for their domestic water supply. The aim of this research is therefore to evaluate the bacteriological and physio-chemical quality of water in Shambu Town. Two rounds of water samples were taken from each site with a total of 44 water samples. Water sources (n=4), tap water (n=4), and household containers (n=15) were considered for the determination of physio-chemical and bacteriological drinking water quality. The samples were analyzed for physio-chemical parameters like temperature, turbidity, PH, TDS, EC, and the presence of indicator bacteria such as total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC).The method of sample collection at each sampling point was according to the WHO Guidelines for drinking water quality assessment. Water samples were collected using a systematic random sampling method. The result showed that the highest counts of TC and FC were detected in the household water containers, followed by unprotected wells, unprotected springs, protected wells, and protected springs. All raw water samples were positive for TC and FC. High bacteriological load was found in the household water containers. This research concluded that the water quality of Shambu Town at household storage is very poor and is not free from contaminants. Thus, deliberate community awareness raising about sanitation and hygienic practices is crucial. The water sources should be protected from contamination by animals and human excreta, and should be treated before being used for drinking.