Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Screening of Household Water Supplies in Selected Communities in Edo State, Nigeria

Over 70% of the earth crust is filled with water but access to potable water remains a global challenge. This study focused on ascertaining the level of potability of borehole water in Edo State, Nigeria, for human consumption. Two hundred and forty-three (243) borehole water samples were collected from nine sampling sites and analyzed for physical (pH, total solids, DO, COD and BOD), chemical (NO3, SO4, PO4, chloride and metallic ions) and bacteriological (total bacteria count and total coliform count) properties. The results were compared with standards prescribed by the World Health Organization and Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. The values of all the physicochemical parameters of the borehole water analyzed in the study were below the limits recommended by FME and WHO. The bacteriological analysis of the water revealed that the total bacterial count ranged from 1.78 ± 0.33 to 3.92 ± 0.32×103cfu/ml while coliform counts ranged from 0.65 ± 0.32 to 2.75 ± 0.20×103 cfu/ml. These values were above acceptable limits. Thus, the borehole water from the studied localities across the three senatorial districts are not considered fit for consumption and it is therefore recommended that home water purification such as boiling and filtration should be practiced among the inhabitants before consumption.