Seasonal Variations of Microbial Water Quality from Shallow Wells and Prevalence of Water-Related Diseases

Abstract

Microbiological contamination of drinking water remains a critical global health concern, contributing to approximately five million deaths annually. In Sub-Saharan Africa, inadequate access to safe drinking water sources results in over one million deaths each year, with nearly 90% occurring among children. This study investigated the seasonal variation of microbial water quality from shallow wells and the prevalence of water-related diseases. Water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons and analyzed for total coliforms and Escherichia coli using the membrane filtration method. Additionally, water temperature and pH were measured onsite. The mean total coliform count increased from 79 CFU/100 mL in the dry season to 124 CFU/100 mL in the wet season, while the mean E. coli count increased from 26 CFU/100 mL to 55 CFU/100 mL. In both seasons, total coliform and E. coli counts exceeded the World Health Organization’s zero threshold for coliforms in drinking water. The prevalence of water-related diseases was higher during the wet season, aligning with the increased microbial contamination. The bacteriological contamination of shallow wells indicates that these water sources are contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption. The findings underscore the need for point-of-use water treatment using various methods, including chlorination and slow sand filtration to safeguard public health.