ASESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLY, STATUS OF SANITATION AND HYGIENE PRACTICES: THE CASE OF BISHAAN GURRACHA TOWN, WEST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation is essential for safeguarding public health. This study aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water supply and evaluate sanitation and hygiene practices in Bishaan Gurracha town, located in the West Arsi zone of the Oromia region, Ethiopia. The methodology involved selecting water sources and households for sample collection, employing data collection instruments including household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations. Laboratory analyses were conducted to measure various physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, TDS, EC, alkalinity, nitrates, chlorides, free chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteriological indicators including total coliforms and fecal coliform. Sanitation coverage and hygiene practices were assessed using appropriate questionnaires to ensure data suitability for statistical analyses. The results indicated that most physicochemical water quality parameters met the standard values recommended by WHO/ESA, except for temperature and turbidity. Temperature ranged from 24.33°C to 26.17°C, and turbidity ranged from 5.62 NTU to 6.73 NTU. Total coliforms were present in all water samples from source water and household storage containers, with a significant number of samples also testing positive for fecal coliforms. The mean total coliform counts varied between 18 CFU/100ml to 101 CFU/100ml for source water and 16 CFU/100ml to 81 CFU/100ml for household storage water. These findings suggest potential deterioration in the untreated drinking water distribution system within Bishaan Guracha town, as the total coliform and fecal coliform counts exceeded the recommended standards set by national and WHO guidelines. Inadequate sanitation facilities in many homes pose significant health risks to the community in Bishaan Guracha town. The absence of proper toilets and improved sanitation systems increases the likelihood of fecal contamination, leading to the transmission of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever. Immediate interventions are therefore necessary, including decontamination of water sources, repair of distribution lines, expansion of sanitation infrastructure, and increased awareness of hygiene practices. It is recommended to regularly monitor water quality and encourage community participation in sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene services.