Bacteriological and physicochemical quality of Jimma town water supply at pre and post distributed to Jimma town residents, Oromia regional state, southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Often, the quality of drinking/potable water has been a major health concern, particularly in developing countries, where 80% of the disease cases are attributed to inadequate sanitation and use of contaminated water. The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriological and physicochemical quality of Jimma town water supply. During this study, survey of sanitary programs applied by local water system supplier was conducted. Moreover, standard microbiological methods were carried out for determination of bacterial load and detection of coliforms, and also physicochemical analysis such as free residual chlorine, total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity and odour were conducted, accordingly. Results of this study indicated that, the turbidity of the water at site A and B had been a ranged from 1.0 – 1.22, 15.6-16.0 NTU(nephelometric turbidity units), dissolved solids 515 – 525, 1150-1250 mg/l, total hardness 118-134, 255-265mg/l, and free residual chlorine 0.31-0.53, 0 mg/l, respectively. Moreover, water samples collected from site B (Jimma town, i.e. from water pipes) were positive for coliform bacteria, which was ranged between 11-33 MPN (CFU/100 ml). In contrast, none of coliform bacteria detected from site A (at Jimma town water treatment plant). Generally, result of bacteriological and physicochemical study indicated that potable water used by Jimma town residents was beyond the maximum tolerable level recommended by WHO. Thus, it calls for appropriate intervention and improving the existing