ORHIONMWON

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health challenge in rural communities of Nigeria. This study assessed the microbial quality and potential health risks associated with drinking water from multiple sources in Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State. A total of five water samples were collected, comprising two boreholes, two hand-dug wells, and Ikpe River Samples were analysed using the pour plate method for total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and fungi, followed by biochemical identification of isolates. Results revealed bacterial loads ranging from 13 cfu/ml in borehole samples to 5.9 × 10³ cfu/ml in river water, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) limit of 500 cfu/ml for drinking water. E. coli and coliforms were detected in the river and one well sample, indicating fecal contamination, while borehole water remained within permissible standards. Isolated bacterial species included Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., and E. coli, while fungal isolates comprised Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., and Rhodotorula spp. The presence of these organisms, particularly fecal indicators and opportunistic pathogens, underscores potential risks of waterborne infections in the area. The study highlights the need for regular microbial surveillance, improved sanitation practices, and promotion of household water treatment methods such as boiling or chlorination to ensure safe drinking water and protect community health.