Assessment of Baraton dam water quality by studying different Microbial levels and Physicochemical parameters

Abstract

The current study was done to analyse different microbial levels and physicochemical parameters of Baraton dam water. Although waterborne diseases occur worldwide, they are commonly reported in the developing countries where sanitation is poor and safe drinking water is limited to a small proportion of the population. A total of 24 water samples were examined by standard bacteriological methods. Of these six, twelve and six were collected from dam, chlorinated pipeborne and waste water tap. Dam water samples had mean counts of 1.0±1.0x10⁰ CFU/ml at incubation temperatures of 22⁰C, 37⁰C and 44⁰C. The bacterial counts at 44⁰C is above permissible standard count of 0 CFU/100ml and therefore suggested faecal contamination. Chlorinated tap water and waste water samples at similar temperatures did not have faecal bacteria. There were no statistical significant differences between chlorinated tap water and waste water suggesting efficient treatment processing. Low Salmonella typhi counts of 1.0x10⁰CFU/100ml found in dam water is unacceptable by international standards. While the chlorinated tap water supply in UEAB area meets the required standard, it is only available to those in the University.