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Archives of Applied Science Research, 2016, 8 (6):23-27

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ISSN 0975-508X
CODEN (USA) AASRC9

Bacteriological quality of drinking tap water in selected districts of north

showa zone, Amhara, Ethiopia
*
Bulti K. Fufa and Melkam D. Liben

Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Debre Berhan

University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT

The importance of good drinking water in maintaining health was recognized early in human history. People can
survive days, weeks or months without food, but only about four days without water. But water remains the major
source of transmission of enteric pathogens. A cross-sectional study conducted on drinking tap water quality from
December to February 2015 at selected districts of north showa zone, to isolate indicator microorganism of water
quality and to analyze the physiochemical parameters of water samples. A total of 15 tap water samples collected
from three districts (Ataye, Shewarobit and Alem town) & transported to Debre Berhan University Biology
department laboratory for bacteriological analysis. Of 15 water samples from public drinking water sources,
3(20%) samples were found negative (0) for total coliform whereas the remaining 12(80%) had coliforms ranging
from 2 to 900/100ml of water. Analysis of physicochemical parameters temperature revealed that of the fifteen water
sample 11(73.33%) had greater than 20oC while the remaining 4(26.66%) had a temperature of between 15-20 oC.
Nine (60%) of the sample had pH range 6.5-8 on the other hand six (40%) of drinking water samples had pH less
than 6.5. Analysis of total dissolved solids (Tds) showed that 8(53.33%) of water samples had Tds greater than 500
(mg/l) and 7(46.66%) comprises of less than 500(mg/l). Most of the investigated water samples had coliform count
beyond the WHO standard. Regular quality control mechanisms need to be in place to ensure safety of drinking
water.

Keywords: Coliform, MPN, Tap water

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INTRODUCTION

The World Health Organization estimated that up to 80% of all sicknesses and diseases in the world caused by
inadequate sanitation, polluted water or unavailability of water. Approximately three out of five persons in
developing countries do not have access to safe drinking water and only about one in four has any kind of sanitary
facilities [12].The transmission of diarrheal and water related diseases are directly linked to inadequate access to
water and hygienic practices. Diseases can be transmitted from the host through water, food and direct contact with
human waste [13].

Contamination by sewage or human excrement presents the greatest danger to public health associated with drinking
water. Bacteriological testing continues to provide the most sensitive means for the detection of such pollution [6].
Livestock, poultry and industrial operations have properties that can generate large amounts of manure and waste.

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When improperly managed nutrients, bacteria and other pollutants from these operations can contaminate drinking
water supply [11].The microbiological pollution of drinking water must be continuously monitored to ensure that the
water is free of infectious agents. Attempting to survey water for specific pathogen can be very difficult and time
consuming, so most assays of water quality are more focused on detecting fecal contaminations [2].

Water is one of the chief vehicles of gastro intestinal disease. Therefore, water for human consumption must be free
from chemical substances and microorganisms which may cause disease in human. In addition, it should be pleasant
to drink. Water is said to be contaminated or polluted when it contains infective and parasitic agents, poisonous
chemical substance, industrial or sewage waste [1].

It is essential that water be examined regularly and frequently as contaminations may be intermittent and may not be
detected by simple tests. Priority is given to ensure that routine water examination is carried out on the entire
distribution network to reveal that bacteriological quality status [3].

Most population of Ethiopia does not have access to safe and reliable sanitation facilities. On the top of these,
majority of the households do not have sufficient understanding of hygienic practices regarding food, water and
personal hygiene [8]. Studies have been conducted in different parts of Ethiopia including Hawassa, Jimma,
Bahirdar, Gondar and Addis Ababa by different experts regarding bacteriological quality of drinking water.
Therefore, this study was focused to assess the bacteriological quality of drinking water and physicochemical
parameters in selected districts of north showa using standard procedure

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study area
The study was conducted in three districts of north showa zone of Amhara regional states. The selected district
includes Shewarobit, Merahabite (Alem town) and Ataye because they have relatively mesophile temperature range.
Shewarobit and Ataye town were located along the way Dessie 90 km and 150km to north of Debre birhan town, the
capital city of north showa zone of Amhara regional state. Alem town was located to west 220 km away from of
Debre birhan town.

Statistical analysis
Data were stored in a Microsoft Excel spread sheet and analyzed with SPSS statistical software. Mean, median and
frequency was summarized in the form of descriptive statistics tables, figures and pie chart.

Sample size determination

A total of 15 pipe water samples 5 from each selected three sites were taken for identification of coliforms through
convenience/purposively sampling technique at different period. Because some pipe water distribution systems were
non-functional during sample collection season/period.Treated water sample was taken only once for bacterial
analysis.

Collection of water sample and physiochemical parameters

250 ml of water sample was collected between 8:30 and 10:30 am with sterile glass bottle and transported to Debre
Birhan university biological laboratory in a cold ice box. The electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and Ph of
the water sample determined by conductivity meter and PH meter respectively. The temperature of each sample was
determined immediately using digital thermo meter. Each water sample was given a code number and the following
information was collected by using sample collecting formats.

Laboratory analysis
The water samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for detection of indicator microorganism of water quality
using multiple tube test (most probable number) methods. The water sample mixed well and inoculated in to five of
the double-strength lactose tubes with 10 ml of the water sample; five single-strength tubes with 1 ml of the water
sample; and five single-strength tubes with 0.1 ml of the water sample. Each set of test tube contain 10 ml lactose
broth. The contents of each tube were mixed with inverted sterile Durham tubes without spilling any of the broth by

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rolling the tubes between the palms of hands. Permanent parkers used to label all tubes with code, date, and the
amount of water added. The three sets of tubes incubated at 24 to 48 hours at 35°C.
Loopful of culture with in test tube that showed gas production was transferred to the brilliant-green lactose bile
broth tube and incubated for 48 ± 3 hours at 35°C. Positive brilliant green lactose bile broth tube was streaked on
EMB plate; incubated for 24 hours at 35°C.Well isolated colonies selected and inoculated in to a single-strength,
brilliant green lactose bile broth with sterile Durham tube and incubated at 24 hours at 35°C. A loopful of bacterial
suspension streaked on nutrient agar slant & incubated for 24 hours at 35°C. Grams stain conducted from bacteria
on the slant.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Drinking water samples from Shewarobit, Ataye and Alem town were subjected to bacteriological analysis. Of 15
water samples from public drinking water sources, 3(20%) samples were found negative for total
coliforms(MPN/100 ml) indicating it is hygienically safe for drinking categorized as ‘‘A’’, whereas remaining
12(80%) had coliforms ranging from 2 to 900/ml.
Table 1.Total coliform (MPN/100ml) in drinking water samples (n=15)

Sample site Physiochemical parameter MPN table result

Ataye Tem(OC Ph Tds EC Coliform /100 ml Category Comment (WHO)
(mg/l) (µs/cm)
Sample 01 19 7.1 502 850 14 C Un acceptable
Sample 02 20 7.18 550 908 17 C Un acceptable
Sample 03 20 7.65 765 854 17 C Un acceptable
Sample 04 23 7.23 266 690 0 A Excellent
Sample 05 21 6.97 344 857 0 A Excellent
Shewarobit
Sample 01 24 6.85 214 910 0 A Excellent
Sample 02 21 6.98 616 920 30 C Un acceptable
Sample 03 19 6.92 607 911 2 B Acceptable
Sample 04 22 6.85 408 698 2 B Acceptable
Sample 05 22 6.22 605 878 2 B Acceptable
Merabite
Sample01 26 5.5 205 667 4 B Acceptable
Sample02 25 5.58 298 612 4 B Acceptable
Sample03 27 5.97 520 580 70 D Grossly polluted
Sample04 24 5.75 694 650 900 D Grossly polluted
Sample05 23 5.68 270 558 36 C Un acceptable

In opposite with current investigation studies conducted in Lagos, Nigeria [4] showed that chlorinated pipe water
samples obtained from water utility stations in the three municipalities contained no coliforms per 100 ml. Most of
the positive samples had coliform count ranging between 1-10 5(33.33%) this result showed such water samples
were recommended for drinking but requires regular sanitary monitoring or checks categorized as “B” WHO
standard.

The current MPN result revealed that coliform counts (cfu/ml) of most 12(80%) sampled tap waters were higher 2 to
900/100ml and found beyond the specification set for drinking water. According to WHO guideline [14] the total
bacterial counts of a given drinking water should zero coliform/100ml. The existence of total coliforms in drinking
water indicates that the drinking water is polluted with faecal or the water line has been mixed with the sewerage
line. Furthermore, colonies of Escherichia coli were identified through gram staining and indole test.

When collected, at least 90% of samples must be free from total coliform bacteria. In comparism with current
investigation, studies conducted on bacteriological and physiochemical quality of drinking water in Bahirdar city by
Milkiyas et al., 2011 revealed risk classification of 54.2% of tap water samples had medium risk score, 8(22.9%)
had high risk score and 8(22.9%) samples had low risk score for total coliforms. The farther the collection point is
from the leak the lesser the chances of isolating coliforms recorded in Lagos, Nigeria [4]

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Multiple tube technique of laboratory culture result showed that 7(46.66%) of collected water samples contain
greater than ten coliform this result was beyond recommended WHO standard. Similar result was recorded in Dares
salaam, Tanzania; tap water about 49.2% of tap water sampling points were found to contain total coliform
organisms with CFU counts ranging from 1 to 280 per 100 ml, faecal coliform organisms were detected in 26.2% of
the sampling points with CFU counts ranging from 1 to 196 per 100 ml [3].

In similar with the current laboratory result, Jain et al., 2012, of 100 water samples, 20 had no coliforms, whereas
remaining 80 (80%) had coliforms ranging from 1 to >1600/100 ml of water. A survey of bacteriological quality of
drinking water in North Gondar [7] showed that of 14 samples collected for bacteriological analysis 50% of the
water samples had E. coli.

Physico-chemical analyses of drinking water

Analysis of physicochemical parameters temperature of the fifteen water sample revealed that 11(73.33%) had
greater than 20oC while the remaining 4(26.66%) had a temperature of between 15-20 oC but none of drinking water
sample had a temperature of below 15 oC (Table 2).

High water temperature enhances the growth of microorganisms and may increase taste, odour, and color problems
of drinking water [9].

An aesthetic objective is set for maximum water temperature to aid in selection of the best water source or the best
placement for a water intake [15]. But our result showed that all water samples were above the standard 15(100%)
have temperature more than15ºC.Itis desirable that the temperature of drinking water should not exceed 15ºC.
Table 2. Physicochemical parameters of drinking water in selected districts of north showa Ataye, Shewarobit &Alem town (n=15)

Parameter Analysis of water samples (%) Recommended WHO standard

Temperature Less than 15 oC
Greater than 20 oC 11(73.30)
15-20 oC 4(26.70)
Less than 15 oC -----
pH 6.5 - 8.5
>8 -----
6.5-8.0 9(60)
<6.5 6(40)
Electrical conductivity(µs/cm) 500-800
> 800 500-800 8(53.30)
<500 7(46.70)
-----
Total dissolved solid(mg/l) <500
>500 8(53.30)
<500 7(46.70)

pH is also one of the most important operational parameters for water treatment because, dissociation is poor at pH
levels below 6, from pH 6 to 8.5 a nearly complete dissociation of HClO occurs. Thus for disinfection with chlorine
control of pH is critical. The current studies conducted on the three districts of north showa comprises of fifteen
drinking water sample analyzed for indicator microorganism indicated that 9(60%) of the sample belong to normal
WHO pH range 6.5-8 on the other hand 6(40%) of drinking water samples had pH less than 6.5 but none of water
sample collected had greater than pH 8. The pH measurements of most tap water samples of current investigation
were within the acceptable standard of [14].

Studies conducted on Bacteriological and physicochemical quality of drinking water and hygiene-sanitation
practices of the consumers in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia [8] showed that from a total of 35 drinking tap water collected
3(8.6%) had pH greater than eight while the remaining water samples 32(91.4%) had normal pH range 6.5-8. In
agreement with our result 60% of water samples had pH 6.5-8 that categorized as the normal range of world health
organization.

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Analysis of total dissolved solids (Tds) showed that from a total of 15 potable water samples collected from the
three districts 8(53.33%) contains Tds greater than 500 (mg/l) and 7(46.66%) comprises of less than 500(mg/l) of
recommended normal potable public water distribution system. World health organization set standard of TDS of
drinking water to be less than 500 (mg/l), similarly the majority of our samples 46.66 % contain less than 500 (mg/l)
which was relatively in agreement with world health organization.

In the analysis of the final physicochemical parameter electrical conductivity of potable water 8(53.33%) had
electrical conductivity measured in (µs/cm) greater than the recommended value 800 of WHO potable water
standard. On the opposite 7(46.66%) samples belong to the normal range of 500-800 (µs/cm) standard, none of the
samples contain less than 500(µs/cm) water conductivity level. The majority of drinking water analyzed had
electrical conductivity above recommended mean standards (769.4).

CONCLUSION

Fifty three percent (53 %) of the collected drinking water sample had coliform count of acceptable world health
organization standard. On the other hand 47% of drinking water had coliform count above the recommended
international and national limits. Gram stain result showed that the type of coliform exhibited was Escherichia coli
bacteria. Analysis of physicochemical parameters temperature showed that all water samples had more than the
recommended limit (15 oC) while most water samples 60% had normal pH range 6.5-8. In the analysis of
physicochemical parameter electrical conductivity and total dissolve solids of potable water 8(53.33%) had
electrical conductivity measured in (µs/cm) greater than the recommended value along with total dissolved solids
8(53.33%) measured by (mg/l). Regular microbial assessment of all water sources for drinking should have to be
planned and conducted.

Acknowledgement
Many people have contributed to this research paper. Especially the author would like to thank PhD candidate
Jermen Mammo providing unreserved supervision & constructive advice. Biology laboratory technician and Debre
Birhan University for financial support

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