Abstract
IntroductionWater should comply with standard/regulatory physio-chemical and biological parameters to ensure that it is safe for domestic use. We therefore sought to assess the physico-chemical and biological quality of groundwater sources in Kadama subcounty, Kibuku district, Eastern Uganda. MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted. We collected water samples from twenty-three functional water sources. We assessed the turbidity, pH and presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) using the turbidity meter, pH meter and membrane filtration technique, respectively. Furthermore, physical sanitary inspection of the water sources was done using a standard pretested observational checklist to assess existing risk factors.ResultsThe majority, 69.5% of the water sources included in the study were boreholes, with about 43.5% of them from Nandere parish. Majority of the water sources 86.9% (20/23) had clogged/blocked drainage channels, about a third of water sources 60.9% (14/23) did not have fences/protection around them and majority of the water sources, 82.6% (19/23) had stagnated apron. Some water sources 8.7% (2/23) had open defecation around them. The water samples had a mean pH of 6.87 (SD 0.920) with 4.4% acidic, 86.9% normal/acceptable pH level and 8.6% in alkaline state. About two-thirds (65.3%) of these water sources had turbidity levels less than 5 NTUs. In addition, boreholes had a better turbidity score of 81.2% (13/16) compared to the water wells 71.4% (5/7). About half, 43.5% of the water sources were above the WHO recommended range of zero coliforms. ConclusionsSome ground water sources had sanitary risk factors and significant levels of E. coli which makes them unfit for human consumption, though they can be used for other domestic purposes including washing clothes. This calls for urgent need to keep surrounding water sources clean and continuously disinfect drinking water from groundwater sources before human consumption.