Abstract:
Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices, often referred to as WASH,
are fundamental for public health and development. These essential services are directly linked
to preventing disease, improving quality of life, and supporting economic growth. The study
aimed to assess clean water access, sanitation and hygiene in Gedo town, Oromia regional state.
To evaluate the quality of clean water, scientists test for Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB). This
process involves collecting water samples and checking for bacteria like E. coli or Enterococci,
which indicate possible fecal contamination. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory and in
field through techniques like most probable number (MPN), membrane filtration, and colony
counting to determine bacterial concentration. The Analysis of 11 samples from 1 source and ten
households showed that E. coli contamination ranged from 1 to 5 CFU/100 mL, with HH2 and
HH5 having the highest levels. Enterococci contamination peaked at 6 CFU/100 mL in reservoir
water, also found in HH2 and HH5. Tap water contamination varied from 2 to 4 CFU/100 mL,
with HH4 and HH5 showing the highest levels. Container water generally had lower
contamination, except for HH3 and HH4, which had elevated levels of 5 CFU/100 mL.
Temperature measurements indicated that tap water ranged from 25.6°C to 27.8°C, with HH2
and HH5 having the highest temperatures. Container water temperature was ranged between
25.8°C and 27.8°C, while reservoir water fluctuated between 25.8°C and 28.9°C, peaking at
HH5. The pH values for tap water ranged from 5.99 (acidic) in HH1 to 7.5 pH in HH4. Container
water was stable between 6.2 and 7.3, and reservoir water ranged from 5.99 in HH1 to 7.5 in
HH4, reaching 7.2 in HH5. Electrical conductivity varied from 500 µS/cm in HH1 to 1000
µS/cm in HH5 for tap water, with container water peaking at 1200 µS/cm in HH2 and HH3 and
dropping to 200 µS/cm in HH4. Reservoir water had higher conductivity, starting at 800 µS/cm
in HH1 and peaking at 1200 µS/cm in HH2 and HH3 with HH4 shows the lowest levels.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels increased from 6 mg/L in HH1 to 15 mg/L in HH5 for tap water,
with container water showing a similar rise to 14 mg/L. Reservoir water had the highest DO
levels, peaking at 16 mg/L in HH5, though it dropped to 12 mg/L in HH3. The study indicates
that microbial contamination often exceeds safety standards, highlighting the need for improved
sanitation and need regular monitoring of water quality.
