Assessment of Some Selected Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Water Supply in Kiltu Kara Town, Western Ethiopia

Background and Objective: Potable drinking water is essential for health and a fundamental human right. Safe drinking water is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and promoting overall well-being. This study aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water supplied to the Kiltu Kara Town, Western Ethiopia Community. Materials and Methods: As 21 water samples from 7 sampling sites were collected and 63 replicate samples were analyzed for 12 physicochemical and 2 bacteriological parameters using a DR/2400 Portable Spectrophotometer and a Micro Bacteriological Laboratory Incubator, following standard methods. The analyzed parameters included temperature, total dissolved solids, color, electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, chloride, manganese, and iron. Bacteriological indicators analyzed include the determination of fecal coliform (FC) and total coliform (TC) counts. Data analysis, including correlation computation and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), was performed using SPSS software (version 22) with a 0.05 significance level. Results: The most physicochemical parameters met the values set by the Ethiopian compulsory standard and the World Health Organization guideline. However, fecal coliforms and total coliforms levels exceeded the acceptable limit of 0 CFU/100 mL, ranging from 1 to 5.44 CFU/100 mL and 3.44 to 7.78 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Manganese concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 1.12 mg/L, surpassing the Ethiopian compulsory standard and the World Health Organization guideline limits of 0.5 and 0.4 mg/L, respectively. The pH of the water samples varied between 6.5 and 8.5, except at one sampling site (R6), where the pH was below the recommended standards. Conclusion: The drinking water quality in Kiltu Kara Town is primarily affected by bacteriological contamination and elevated manganese levels. The water samples were found to be safe for consumption after treatment for microbial contamination and manganese reduction. This study recommends appropriate interventions, including infrastructure improvement and community awareness, to enhance the safety of drinking water at Kiltu Kara Town, Western Ethiopia.