Determinants of drinking water quality in rural Nicaragua

SUMMARYOne hundred and fifty-three water samples from rural Nicaragua were examined for the presence of faecal coliforms during both wet and dry periods. A linear model as fitted by analysis of covariance with the logarithm of the faecal coliform count as the dependant variable. As expected, traditional water sources were grossly contaminated at all times whereas piped water sources were much cleaner. Hand-dug protected wells had significantly higher levels of faecal contamination than unprotected riverside wells and springs during the dry season. The possible reasons for this unexpected finding are discussed. A close association between rainfall and faecal contamination was demonstrated but the effect of rainfall depended on the type of water source. An association between water quality and the size of the community served by the source was also detected. The finding that stored water was usually more contaminated than fresh water samples is consistent with the results from other studies. Since it is unusual for water quality to be inversely correlated wth accessibility, this study site would be suitable for investigating the relative importance of water-borne versus waterwashed transmission mechanisms in childhood diarrhoea.

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Water Source Preferences and Water Quality Perceptions among Women in the Eastern Region, Ghana: A Grounded Theory Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16203835 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (20) ◽

pp. 3835 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jhanel F. Chew ◽

Laura Corlin ◽

Fernando Ona ◽

Sarah Pinto ◽

Esther Fenyi-Baah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Grounded Theory ◽

Water Source ◽

Water Sources ◽

Dry Season ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Theory Approach ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Source Choice

Residents in the Eastern Region, Ghana with access to improved water sources (e.g., boreholes and covered wells) often choose to collect water from unimproved sources (e.g., rivers and uncovered wells). To assess why, we conducted two field studies to coincide with Ghana’s rainy and dry seasons. During the rainy season, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews among a convenience sample of 26 women in four rural communities (including one woman in the dry season). We asked each participant about their attitudes and perceptions of water sources. During the dry season, we observed four women for ≤4 days each to provide context for water collection and water source choice. We used a grounded theory approach considering the multiple household water sources and uses approach to identify three themes informing water source choice: collection of and access to water, water quality perception, and the dynamic interaction of these. Women selected water sources based on multiple factors, including season, accessibility, religious/spiritual messaging, community messaging (e.g., health risks), and ease-of-use (e.g., physical burden). Gender and power dynamics created structural barriers that affected the use of unimproved water sources. A larger role for women in water management and supply decision-making could advance population health goals.

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Rural Drinking Water Quality Status in Central Development Region, Nepal: A Comparative Study of Spring water and Ground water

Hydro Nepal Journal of Water Energy and Environment ◽

10.3126/hn.v9i0.7074 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 52-56

Author(s):

Bishnu Pandey ◽

Suman Shakya

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Ground Water ◽

Water Samples ◽

Water Sources ◽

Spring Water ◽

Drinking Water Quality ◽

Development Region ◽

Water Quality Status ◽

Quality Status

This study assesses the rural drinking water quality status in Central Development Region of Nepal. With a total of 250 samples collected from 15 districts of the region, drinking water quality of spring water and ground water representing hill and Terai (lowland) regions were tested and compared for their physicochemical parameters and faecal coliform contamination.None of the spring samples as well as ground water samples violated National Drinking Water Standards (NDWS) for electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), appearance, chloride and nitrate. Similarly none violated the standards for total hardness (TH) indicating soft nature of the water. The spring samples were within the NDWS for manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) whereas 15.4% and 39.0% of the ground water samples violated the standards for manganese and iron, respectively. Gravity water is found to be more alkaline than ground water. Faecal coliforms were the most problematic in both types of sources followed by Ammonia (NH3) and pH in spring sources and by iron, Mn, pH and ammonia in ground water sources, respectively. Spring sources were more contaminated by bacteria than ground water sources. Correlation and regression analysis revealed highly significant correlations between EC and TDS (r=0.979) and between CaH and TH (r=0.988) in ground water suggesting that aquifer chemistry of ground water to be mainly controlled by EC, TDS, TH, and CaH. Similarly, highly significant correlations were found between the following pairs in gravity water: EC and TDS (r=0.983), TA and TDS(r=0.853), CaH and TDS (r=0.912), TH and TDS (r=0.955), EC and CaH (r=0.898), and between CaH and TH (r=0.951).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v9i0.7074 Hydro Nepal Vol.9 July 2011 52-56

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Drinking water quality in the alpine pastures of the eastern Tibetan plateau

Rangifer ◽

10.7557/2.24.4.1723 ◽

2004 ◽

pp. 47-52 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Mika Sillanpää ◽

Riina-Maarit Hulkkonen ◽

Angela Manderscheid

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Tibetan Plateau ◽

Water Source ◽

Water Sources ◽

The Tibetan Plateau ◽

Quality Factors ◽

Guideline Values ◽

Result Analysis ◽

Water Quality And Quantity

The need for water quality research on the Tibetan plateau has arisen after the rangeland was allocated and leased as pasture grounds to individual nomadic families in the 1990s. These policies changed the access to water sources. The imposed fencing of the pasture tenures makes the situation even more delicate. Nomadic families are now obliged to use only water sources existing on their own site. The restrictions have caused the urge to use all available water, which resulted in increasing water quality and quantity problems. In the past, natural water sources were in common use. During the Collective era, machine-dug wells near the collective settlements facilitated the procurement of drinking water. Based on recent investigations in Dzoge county (Sichuan province), the nomadic families of some regions considered the availability of adequate drinking water for humans and animals as their biggest problem. For this study, eight water samples were collected from the Dzoge county area. All samples were from different kinds of sources, but all in continuous use by humans and animals. The samples were analyzed for typical potable water quality factors (hygienic and technique-aesthetic). The results show that the Chinese national guideline values were exceeded for NO4-N and PO4-P in most open sampling locations. Those parameters do not spoil the water by themselves, but together with suspended solids and organic materials produce a great environment for bacteria like E. coli and fecal streptococci to grow. The result analysis and pictures seen from the location reveal that bacterial growth may be the biggest problem in water quality. Even primitive protection around the water source (i.e. concrete rings, wooden barriers around edges, covers) seem to have a great impact on water quality.

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Domestic drinking water management: Quality assessment in Oforikrom municipality, Ghana

Science Progress ◽

10.1177/00368504211035997 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 104 (3) ◽

pp. 003685042110359

Author(s):

Eugene Appiah-Effah ◽

Emmanuel Nketiah Ahenkorah ◽

Godwin Armstrong Duku ◽

Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Water Samples ◽

Water Quality Management ◽

Water Sources ◽

Quality Analysis ◽

Water Quality Analysis ◽

Microbial Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water Sources

Drinking water in Ghana is estimated at 79%, but this only represents the proportion of the population with access to improved drinking water sources without regard to the quality of water consumed. This study investigated the quality of household drinking water sources in the Oforikrom municipality where potable water requirements are on the rise due to an ever-increasing population. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. One Hundred households were randomly selected and interviewed on the available options for drinking water and household water treatment and safe storage. A total of 52 points of collection (POC) and 97 points of use (POU) water samples from households were collected for physicochemical and microbial water quality analysis. Amongst the available drinking water options, sachet water (46%) was mostly consumed by households. Water quality analysis revealed that the physicochemical parameters of all sampled drinking water sources were within the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) recommended values expected for pH (ranging from 4.50 to 7.50). For the drinking water sources, bottled (100%, n = 2) and sachet water (91%, n = 41) showed relatively good microbial water quality. Generally, POC water samples showed an improved microbial water quality in comparison to POU water samples. About 38% ( n = 8) of the households practicing water quality management, were still exposed to unsafe drinking water sources. Households should practice good water quality management at the domestic level to ensure access to safe drinking water. This may include the use of chlorine-based disinfectants to frequently disinfect boreholes, wells and storage facilities at homes.

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Water source quality in Ahenema Kokoben, Ghana

Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development ◽

10.2166/washdev.2019.048 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 450-459 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amadu Salifu ◽

Helen M. K. Essandoh ◽

Afsatou Ndama Traore ◽

Natasha Potgieter

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Microbiological Quality ◽

Water Source ◽

Water Sources ◽

Drinking Water Quality ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Quality Of Water ◽

Guideline Values ◽

Test Kit

Abstract Regular monitoring of microbial quality of water used for drinking is an important aspect of public health. Microbiological quality, using a novel microbial water quality test kit – Compartment Bag Test (CBT; AguaGenX, LLC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA), and physical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, temperature and electrical conductivity) of 94 different water sources used by communities in the Ahenema Kokoben area of Ghana for drinking were tested. Using the WHO drinking water quality risk categories for the presence of Escherichia coli indicator bacteria, only 56% (53/94) of the water sources were safe for drinking, while 29% (27/94) of the water sources were classified as high risk and unsafe for human purposes. Some of the physical parameters were also higher than guideline values and could have been a contributing factor to poor water quality. Overall, the CBT proved to be a reliable alternative to traditional and laboratory-dependent microbial drinking water quality tests which can be easily used by water authorities to make sure that water is safe to drink.

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Urban household water resilience and source selection in Nepal pre- and post-disaster

Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development ◽

10.2166/washdev.2020.042 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 435-446 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sadhana Shrestha ◽

Yoko Aihara ◽

Arun P. Bhattarai ◽

Niranjan Bista ◽

Naoki Kondo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Water System ◽

Water Security ◽

Water Source ◽

Water Sources ◽

Middle Income ◽

Piped Water ◽

2015 Gorkha Earthquake ◽

Household Water ◽

Before And After

Abstract Urban areas in low- and middle-income countries are under chronic water stress, and multiple water source use (MWSU) is common. A detailed study on MWSU is necessary for strengthening water security and enhancing household water resilience to natural disasters which is defined as the ability of a household water system that is exposed to a disaster to resist, accommodate, and recover efficiently in a short time. Surveys were conducted in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, before and after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. A classification of resilient and non-resilient households was based on respondents' perception scores of their water systems before the earthquake and one month after. Around 80% of households used two to three water sources, and 70% of households were classified as water resilient. Three characteristics of a water resilient household were: (i) use of greater number of water sources, (ii) use of multiple reliable water sources such as piped water, groundwater, and (iii) use of effective adaptive strategies such as water storage in a bigger container. Since the study showed the practice of MWSU enhanced the resilience, protection and management of local water sources (well, spring, stone spouts) by initiatives of local government or communities or both is recommended.

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Estimation of pathogen concentrations in a drinking water source using hydrodynamic modelling and microbial source tracking

Journal of Water and Health ◽

10.2166/wh.2012.183 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 358-370 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Ekaterina Sokolova ◽

Johan Åström ◽

Thomas J. R. Pettersson ◽

Olof Bergstedt ◽

Malte Hermansson

Keyword(s):

Drinking Water ◽

Fate And Transport ◽

Water Source ◽

Microbial Source Tracking ◽

Water Sources ◽

Source Tracking ◽

Drinking Water Source ◽

Faecal Contamination ◽

Contamination Sources ◽

Drinking Water Sources

The faecal contamination of drinking water sources can lead to waterborne disease outbreaks. To estimate a potential risk for waterborne infections caused by faecal contamination of drinking water sources, knowledge of the pathogen concentrations in raw water is required. We suggest a novel approach to estimate pathogen concentrations in a drinking water source by using microbial source tracking data and fate and transport modelling. First, the pathogen (norovirus, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia coli O157/H7) concentrations in faecal contamination sources around the drinking water source Lake Rådasjön in Sweden were estimated for endemic and epidemic conditions using measured concentrations of faecal indicators (E. coli and Bacteroidales genetic markers). Afterwards, the fate and transport of pathogens within the lake were simulated using a three-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic and microbiological model. This approach provided information on the contribution from different contamination sources to the pathogen concentrations at the water intake of a drinking water treatment plant. This approach addresses the limitations of monitoring and provides data for quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and risk management in the context of faecal contamination of surface drinking water sources.

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Appraisal of Public Pipe-borne Water Quality in Jimeta/Yola Adamawa State (Nigeria): From the Treatment-plants to End-user Points

International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry ◽

10.9734/irjpac/2020/v21i1230234 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 53-65

Author(s):

I. B. Bwatanglang ◽

E. Yonnana ◽

Lynna D. Ibrahim ◽

Abdulrahman I. Kubo ◽

B. K. Elijah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Water Samples ◽

Water Distribution ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Poor Quality ◽

End User ◽

Point Of Use ◽

Piped Water

This research aimed at assessing the drinking water quality of piped water distribution in Jimeta-Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria. The strategy was based on establishing the possibilities of contaminants underlying the distribution channels compromising the quality from the treatment source to the consumer point of use. Selected heavy metals and physiological parameters were determined toward establishing the water quality indices (WQI). Though, most of the parameter determined fell below or within the permissible limits (PL) set by WHO for drinking water, the results indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in the concentrations determined in the treatment plants (Yola treatment plant (YTP) and Jimeta treatment plant (JMTP)) with those at the consumer endpoints (YTPC and JMTPC). The results showed the WQI at the treatment plants being compromised due to the induction of pollutants across the distribution pipes. The water samples at the treatment point (JMTP) were excellent, having WQI <25 and good quality at YTP (25< WQI<50). However, the water quality on leaving the treatment source was observed to slightly change to poor quality at JMTPC (WQI= 57.00), and further observed to be in moderate-good quality at YTPC (WQI=49.27). Further analysis showed an increase in bacterial counts in the water samples at the consumer points. Escherichia coli concentrations of 565 and 718 cfu /100 mL were detected in samples from YTPC and JMTPC, despite the fact the water was observed to be free from bacteria at the treatment plants.

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R.A.OLAOYE et al. 2021 Variation of Groundwater and Rainwater Quality in a Nigerian Leper Colony

European Journal of Advanced Chemistry Research ◽

10.24018/ejchem.2021.2.3.68 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 27-33

Author(s):

Rebecca A. Olaoye ◽

Akinwale O. Coker ◽

Mynepalli K. Sridhar

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Water Samples ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Water Sources ◽

Water Quality Parameters ◽

World Health ◽

Slight Variation ◽

Short Term ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Bacteriological Parameters

Adequate supply of potable water is a major challenge in most leper colony with emphasis often placed on water needs of “normal” people but little concern on the safe water source for the physically challenged and vulnerable lepers with limited mobility who cannot search for other sources of water outside designated colony. This study was designed to investigate the quality of water sources within a Nigerian leper colony. Periodic characterization of groundwater and rainwater samples was conducted using American Public Health Association (APHA) methods to determine physico-chemical parameters; appearance, odour, colour, taste, chloride, pH, sulphate, copper, zinc, iron, nitrate and bacteriological parameters; coliform organism and Escherichia coli (E-coli) against the world health organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Water samples were clear and odourless. Most of the parameters tested from both sources; groundwater and rainwater were within the recommended standard. Results from short term water quality parameters taken from 2010-2012 were relatively within the same range while the long-term decadal water quality parameters showed slight variation compared to the short term. Heavy metals showed remarkable variation in 2019 while bacteriological parameters from both water sources were above the permissible threshold. For potable use, water sources require adequate treatment. Boiling or disinfection is recommended until water samples have been retested to ascertain that contamination has been eliminated. In addition, home water-treatment through the use of filters, solar disinfection, or flocculants should be provided to make the water safe.

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Estimation of Optimum Alum Doses of Mountain Water for Water Supply Treatment in Hill Tribe Villages in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

10.21203/rs.3.rs-767281/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Suntorn Sudsandee ◽

Natthathida Patthanacheroen

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Water Supply ◽

Water Samples ◽

Cold Season ◽

Water Sources ◽

Remote Areas ◽

Drinking Water Sources ◽

Hill Tribe ◽

Primary Water

Abstract Hill tribe villages are located in mountainous and remote areas. Primary water supply and drinking water sources are mountain water from a small weir on the mountain. Most mountain waters found turbidity higher than 1 NTU, and water quality was unclean to use and drink. This research applied different concentrations of alum doses to observe turbidity reduction. Optimum alum does apply to reduce turbidity for mountain water samples from Hmong, Karen, Lahu, and Lisu for three seasons. The optimum alum dose is between 20 - 40 mg/l in rainy seasons and 10 – 40 mg/l in summer. The cold season was low optimum alum dose at 10 mg/l for all hill tribe villages. Therefore, alum coagulants can be used to treat the mountain water supply and drinking that can implement the main problem of mountain water in hill tribe village.

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