OSAYI FESTUS OMONBHUDE

This study assessed the quality of drinking water in households within Utagban Community, Benin City, Nigeria, an area largely inhabited by artisans and small business owners who depend on sachet, borehole, and well water for domestic use. The aim of the study was to evaluate the drinking water quality and household water management and hygiene practices, in Utagban community. The study examined physicochemical characteristics, and determined the levels of total heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, and Escherichia coli across various water sources. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the various household hygiene practices. Water samples (25) were aseptically collected from household for laboratory analysis. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and salinity were measured using a digital water quality meter, while microbiological analysis was conducted using the spread plate technique on Nutrient Agar and Chromogenic Coliform Agar to quantify bacterial loads. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and Microsoft Excel. Results showed that sachet water was the most consumed (67%), followed by borehole water (30%) and well water (2%). Physicochemical parameters were generally within WHO limits, with pH ranging from 6.2 to 7.7. Mean heterotrophic bacterial counts varied from 0 to 82×10² CFU/mL, highest in well water. Coliforms were detected in borehole and sachet water but absent in bottled water, and E. coli was not found in any sample. The findings highlight moderate microbiological contamination in some water sources, underscoring the need for regular monitoring and improved household hygiene practices to ensure safe drinking water.