Fecal contamination of drinking water at point of use in jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Drinking Water becomes contaminated with fecal matter due to inadequate treatment of the source, unhygienic practices of water storage, and household water management this is aimed to determine the microbial contamination level of drinking water at point of use among the community served with tap water in Jimma town by using a cross-sectional study was carried out from August -September, 2015 among residents of Awetu Mendera, Ginjo Giduru, Hirmata Merkato, and Mendera Kochi kebeles of Jimma town. 260 households were selected using systematic random sampling for interview, total 121 water samples were (110 from serving cup at household and 11 from household tap) collected and regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with fecal contamination of drinking water at household level The result shows mean fecal contamination level of water at point of tap and point of use were 7CFU/100ml and 21.9CFU/100ml respectively. The result indicates 72(65.4%) of water samples from point of use were positive for fecal contamination that had a coliform count of one or more and not acceptable by WHO and National standard for drinking water. 55.5% of water sample at point of tap were contaminated at low to intermediate risk level and all samples had no free residual chlorine. Storage material [AOR: 3.5, 95% CI=1.103, 11.20] Water fetching method [AOR: 0.306, 95% CI=0.096, 0.980] Hand washing facility [AOR: 2.858, 95% CI=1.263, 6.468] and inadequacy of water consumption [AOR: 4.875, 95% CI=1.681, 14.14], were significant factor for fecal contamination of drinking water at household then concluded that majority of the water samples did not meet the microbial quality guidelines for drinking water quality set by WHO and national standard and contamination is higher in the household. Bacteriological and related parameter should assess periodically on tap and promoting good handling practice and sanitation are recommended.