Quality of water from protected water sources and associated factors in Buswale subcounty, Namayingo District

Abstract

Introduction: About 41% of protected water sources in Uganda are estimated to be contaminated with faeces. Lack of knowledge of the quality of water from protected sources and associated factors may hinder the implementation of mitigation measures for contamination and therefore result into increase in morbidities and mortalities due to water related diseases. Objective: To assess the quality of water from protected water sources and factors associated with bacteriological contamination in Buswale sub-county of Namayingo District. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative data collection methods and field/Laboratory water quality analysis. The study was conducted among 49 protected ground water sources in Buswale sub-county, selected by proportionate stratified random sampling. Water user’s committees’ and sanitary surveys were conducted, and samples of water from water sources were collected and analysed for both physicochemical and microbial parameters. Results: Majority of the water points (51%,n=25/49) were contaminated (MPN/100ml>0). A significant percentage of the protected springs (92.9%, n=13/14), shallow wells (40%, n=2/5) and boreholes (33.3%, n=10/30) were contaminated. Majority of the samples were within national acceptable limits of pH(91.8% n=45/49), tubidity(95.7%, n=47/49),electrical conductivity and Total dissolved solids (100%, n=49/49). Sanitary risk score (OR=5.6, 95%CI: 1.22-25.75), Source type , presence of stagnant water around the water source(OR=6.46, CI:(1.528-27.324) and age of the water source(r = 0.45, p =0.0012) were significantly associated with contamination. Conclusion: Although protected water sources of different source types in Buswale have physicochemical properties suitable for human consumption, they continue to succumb to feacal contamination especially protected springs. Ground water in Buswale is slightly acidic and therefore can be corrosive. There is need for the district and other water stakeholders to carry out rehabilitation programmes, adopt use of corrosion resistant material in well installations and ensure that environmental sanitation around the water sources is adequately maintained. Communities using contaminated water sources also need to adopt household treatment practices to safeguard against any water related diseases