Assessment of water quality in selected peri-urban areas of Mukono district: a case study of Seeta and Misindye parishes-Goma sub-county

Abstract

In least developed and developing countries, water-related diseases have impacted on public health. Moreover, poor water quality can cause waterborne diseases through infections of bacteria, protozoa, viruses and parasites responsible for millions of morbidities and mortalities globally. This study aimed to assess the quality of different water sources in Goma Sub-County, Mukono district, and contribute towards strategies to improve access to safe water and sanitation. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Samples were analyzed using standard methods. The study revealed that the physico-chemical characteristics of pH, electrical conductivity, nitrates, total dissolved solids, turbidity and temperature of water sources in Seeta and Misindye parishes in Goma Sub-County, Mukono district were within the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Standards (NS) for drinking water except for temperature where the average temperature range was from 23.8 to 26.4 ˚C against 15 ˚C of WHO which is however, not harmful to human health. The microbial characteristics of water sources in Seeta and Misindye parishes in Goma Sub-County, Mukono district, did not meet the WHO and National Standards (NS) for drinking water. Escherichia coli values were between 0.0 to 74 Cfu/100 ml. Both total coliform and E. coli were above the permissible limit of 0 Cfu/100 ml in all seasons. The potential causes of pathogens in water from selected water sources in Goma Sub-County, Mukono district, were poor sanitation practices, including open defecation, poor waste management, and animal farming near water sources. The sanitary conditions (p<0.05) in Goma Sub-County exposed water to microbial contamination, and this is a significant concern for public health. The study therefore concluded that treatment using chemicals or boiling water before drinking should be encouraged in the community. Regular water source cleaning and monitoring is recommended. Proper sanitation and good waste management practices should be encouraged in the area.