ONWACHEI EKENE BETHEL

This study evaluated the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of major drinking water sources in Amufi Community, Edo State, Nigeria, as well as household access and health outcome perceptions. Fifteen water samples were collected from boreholes, tap water, rainwater, and streams, while 220 households participated in a structured questionnaire survey. Laboratory analyses followed APHA (2017) standard procedures, and results were compared with WHO (2017) and NSDWQ (2007) guidelines. Eight key parameters were measured, including pH, TSS, Na, NO₃⁻, Ca, Fe, EC, and TDS. Results showed that groundwater pH ranged from 4.71 to 5.82, falling below the WHO acceptable range of 6.5–8.5, while surface water from streams was neutral to slightly alkaline (8.00–8.27). Nitrate levels were critically high across all samples (42.36–81.20 mg/L), exceeding the 50 mg/L limit. Microbiological results revealed that 73% of samples had heterotrophic plate counts above 100 CFU/mL, with the highest co tamination in streams and some boreholes. Coliform bacteria were detected in 60% of samples, and isolates identified included Shigella spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium spp. Household data indicated that 59.3% relied on tap water and 36.0% on boreholes, with only 42.9% treating water before use, mostly by boiling. Waterborne diseases were reported by 36% of respondents, mainly typhoid and diarrhoea. The study concludes that most drinking water sources in Amufi are unsafe for consumption, highlighting the urgent need for improved treatment, sanitation, and continuous monitoring to protect public health.