Bacteriological Analysis of Water, From Multiple Sources in Omupo, Kwara State

Abstract

Water is one of the most indispensable resources for the continuing existence of all living things including man. Provision of safe and potable drinking water is one of the main purposes of community development and improvement. The study assessed bacteriological analysis of water in Omupo, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study design was descriptive cross-sectional; study population includes all sources of water in Omupo metropolis that satisfied the criteria for inclusion. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. Level of significance was pre-determined at p-value < 0.05 at a confidence level of 95%. The result revealed high Coliform bacteria count, about 79% of water examined has a value higher than the acceptable maximum limit prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO) which requires that coliform count must not be detectable in any water intended for drinking. All the water samples collected were colourless with a pH range of 6.3-7.4 and temperature was between 22 - 28⁰C. The study revealed that untreated water from the studied wells, River and some boreholes used for drinking and domestic purposes were not suitable for water consumption and may pose a serious threat to the health of consumers. There is high coliform bacteria count in majority of the water sources in Omupo community. The community in general should be kept under good sanitation condition by encouraging individual house owners to provide modern toilet facilities for their conveniences, so as to prevent or minimise pollution of water sources.