Bacteriological and physicochemical quality of drinking water and associated risk factors in Ethiopia

Abstract

The problem of drinking water quality is critical public health concern in Ethiopia in which poor sanitation and the use of contaminated water are blamed for 80% of disease cases. This is very important for monitoring water supply to identify and address any potential contaminants as well as investment in infrastructures and treatment technology that can improve water quality. This review aimed to evaluate the quality of drinking water in Ethiopia based on the concentration status of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters and its risk factors. Different studies in most parts of Ethiopia indicated that physicochemical quality of drinking water meet the prescribed standard limit, but in some parts of Ethiopia, water did not meet quality standard. Accordingly, an overall coliform count of drinking water in different areas of Ethiopia indicated that drinking water was at risk. Microbiological implications in the country showed that considerable amounts of drinking water were tainted with E. coli and fecal coliforms, which indicated the existence of dangerous pathogens. The quality issues several parts of Ethiopia were significantly influenced by poor handling practices. Consequently, proper handling practices of drinking water both at the source and point of use is essential to have a safe water supply and thereby protect public health. In order to guarantee that people have access to safe and clean water. The review’s findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced water quality monitoring and treatment in Ethiopia.

Keywords:

• Bacteriology
• Poor handling
• physicochemical quality
• Water

Public Interest Statement

Access to clean drinking water is fundamental human right and essential for maintaining public health and economic activity. It is better to ensure that people have access to clean drinking water. It is in the public interest to ensure a high quality and meets appropriate safety standards. Monitoring quality of drinking water is critical to prevent the spread of different diseases like skin disease, kidney damage, circulatory system problems, gastrointestinal stress, risk of cancer, blue baby syndrome, nervous system disorders etc. Microbial contamination is most common and widespread health risk associated with drinking water. The acute watery diarrhea is becoming one of the public health problems in developing countries especially in sub-Saharan countries. According to the World Bank report, only 42% of the population in the Ethiopia has access to improved water sources and water quality is often poor due to various potential contaminants like chemicals, microorganisms, industrial wastes, and toxic substances. Many children die annually due to diarrheal diseases. Thus, it is important to promote public awareness about drinking water quality to ensure that individuals and communities are informed about potential risk and how to protect themselves. Ultimately, ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water is shared responsibility that requires collaboration between government agencies, water suppliers, and consuming communities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data availabilities were applicable from the online sources.

Additional information

Funding

The authors did not receive any funds for this manuscript.

Notes on contributors

Abera Atumo Ante

Abera Atumo Ante is Lecturer and Researcher in school of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Science, Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He is specialized in Environmental Sciences and Management (MSc) from Haramaya University. His research interest is Water quality, waste management, watershed delineation, environmental sanitation, and environmental impact assessment.

Girma Asefa Bogale

Girma Asefa Bogale is Lecturer and Researcher in school of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Science, Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He is specialized in Agro Meteorology and Natural Risk Management (MSc) from Haramaya University. His research interest is DSSAT_crop_model, Markism_climate_model, GIS, AquaCrop, Rprogram_RClimdex, Stata software analysis on impacts of climate change and adaptation.

Biniyam Mohammed Adem

Biniyam Mohammed Adem is Lecturer and Researcher at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He is specialized in Water and health (Water and wastewater treatment (MSc)) from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. His research interest is on Water quality assessment, water supply, sanitation and water resources management.