The Safety of Water Supplied at Njala University, Njala Campus

Abstract

The safety of water is usually determined by comparing its quality to recommended standards. The objective of this work was to determine whether the water supplied on Njala Campus is safe for drinking. The quality parameters investigated include coliform bacteria, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids and nitrates. Samples were stored in a cooler with ice and transported to the laboratory within 30 minutes of collection. A checklist of questions to know the perception of residents was administered. According to the physical and biological results, the water is not safe for consumption. The turbidity and microbial counts were too high in most samples both in the wet and dry seasons. Additionally, over 80% of the respondents did not trust the water supply system. Most of them treat the supplied water by either boiling or disinfection before use. Most respondents complained of water-borne diseases but were not clear whether it is related to the water supplied. The chemical parameters, however, were acceptable: nitrate levels were low. In conclusion, the water is not safe for consumption as far as the physical and biological parameters are concerned. The campus water supply system needs improvement in terms of conveying raw and finished water, filter optimization, and satisfying the chlorine demand.

Evaluating Drinking Water Treatment Methods in the Njala University and Neighboring Mokonde Communities in Southern Sierra Leone

“…Residents fetch water from diverse sources including hand-dug wells, rivers, rainfall, springs, and streams [1] [2] [3]. In addition to these traditional sources, package drinking water, especially sachet water, has become a major supply source of drinking water in the region [4].…”

“…The treated water is usually stored in a tank to await distribution by gravity flow to consumers. This study utilized the results of a 2017 research that evaluated the safety of water supplied from the Njala University Water Works, a conventional treatment system [1].…”

“…The objective is to determine if these treatment methods support the beneficial use of drinking. Because bacterial contamination is the major water quality issue in the area [1], we used Coliform bacteria and E. coli to evaluate each treatment method. This study also forwarded options for improving those treatment methods that did not meet the WHO drinking requirement.…”

Impact of Tailings on Surrounding Streams at a Mining Area in Sierra Leone

“…But in Sierra Leone, studies on water quality have focused on different aspects of water. For example, a study on the physical and biological parameters of an entire water supply network was reported [17]. Another study have investigated the quality of 60 groundwater from wells [18]; while an earlier study that looked at the public health risk related to water quality [19] was reported.…”

Water Pollution Laws in Sierra Leone—A Review with Examples from the UK and USA

“…This leads to cholera emergencies in most rainy seasons [13] [14]. Additionally, typhoid fever is very common among citizens.…”