Assessment of drinking-water quality in the Dibamba watershed (Douala-Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Residents of Douala including Dibamba watershed collect water from various points to fulfill their freshwater needs. However, it is known that many microorganisms, including parasites, bacteria, viruses, and even alga, are present in water where they form a complex ecosystem. These microorganisms are held responsible for most of the contamination in drinking water and related diseases that threaten health of many individuals. Objectives: This study aims to determine the bacteriological and physicochemical quality of drinking water used by city dwellers in the Dibamba watershed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different communities living in the watershed. A total of 58 drinking water samples were randomly collected from a variety of water resources. The analyses were performed for temperature, Ph, and conductivity; and for bacterial parameters, namely, to trace the presence of organisms and opportunistic pathogens indicative of fecal contamination. Results: Water used for consumption purposes have an acidic pH, low dissolved oxygen content, and shows high levels of microorganisms, testifying water pollution due to domestic wastewater discharged without any prior treatment, and coming from domestic, livestock and agricultural activities carried out in the watershed. These contaminated waters contain pathogenic species (Shigella, Salmonella, E.Coli, etc.) suspected of being the cause of waterborne infectious diseases in the watershed.. Conclusion: The results of our study show that 95% of tested drinking water samples are of low microbiological quality. They neither fulfill requirements of World Health Organization standards, nor fit for human consumption. Therefore, Decision-makers and Stake holders should implement practical actions to facilitate access to safe and sufficient drinking water in the watershed.