Analysis of Bacteriological and Physico-Chemical Quality of Potable Water of Bedesa Town, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Bedesa town, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia to assess the bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of potable water of the town. For this study, 195 households were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in this study. For primary data collection, household surveys, key informant interview, focus group discussion and field survey were used as tools to collect the necessary information.  For secondary data collection, document review was used to collect valuable information. Water quality sampling point of the town was prepared using Arc GIS 9.2 software. The data from the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques and explanation building. Accordingly, one way ANOVA was employed to see the statistical significances of the variables at 5% significant level. The laboratory result revealed that the average values for all selected physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH, EC, turbidity, TDS, total hardness,  iron, phosphate, NH₃, fluoride, free chlorine residue and chloride were found within the acceptable limits of WHO and Ethiopian water quality standards. But, the mean value of temperature for source, reservoir, pipeline and household container were beyond the recommended WHO value (<15 ; the laboratory result of bacteriological water quality for all sampling sites were in agreement to the WHO and Ethiopian standard of potable water quality. The major strategies for maintaining water quality in the study area are protecting the existing water source from pollution and carrying out integrated watershed management activities.

Keywords: Bacteriological quality, physico-chemical quality, potable water: Bedesa.