A Investigation of household drinking water quality in Dembia District, Tana Basin, Ethiopia

Abstract

Access to safe and adequate drinking water is essential for human health, yet many communities in developing countries, including Ethiopia, still depend on water that is not microbiologically safe. Even improved water sources can become contaminated due to poor source protection, improper handling, and unsafe household storage. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of household drinking water sources within multiple-use water systems in Dembia District, northwestern Ethiopia. A total of 22 water points from rural and urban kebeles were randomly selected and evaluated through sanitary inspections and laboratory analyses following WHO guidelines. Most physicochemical parameters met guideline values, with iron concentrations below 0.3 mg/L, manganese below 0.4 mg/L, fluoride below 1.5 mg/L, and chloride below 250 mg/L in all sources, except for one hand-dug well that showed a higher chloride level (185 mg/L). In contrast, turbidity and microbial contamination were key concerns, particularly in rural areas. Total coliforms were detected in 18.1% of urban and 36.4% of rural water points, while fecal coliforms were present in 9.0% of urban and 22.7% of rural sources, indicating potential fecal contamination and related health risks. Overall, although chemical water quality was largely acceptable, the presence of coliform bacteria in several sources highlights the need for improved source protection, routine chlorination, and household-level water treatment to ensure safe drinking water.

Keywords: Drinking water quality; WHO guidelines; physicochemical parameters; Microbial contamination; rural water supply; Water sustainability