Water Quality and Handling Behaviour of Households in Peri-Urban Area of Kumasi, Ghana

Authors: Ameso VC, Oduro-Kwarteng S, Owusu-Dabo E, Nwude MO, Botchway EY

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to assess household water quality and the effect of water storage and handling behaviors in Kumasi, Ghana. The changes in the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of water at primary water sources and secondary storage points were assessed. A total of 55 water samples at primary water sources and secondary storage points were collected for water quality analysis. The physical, bacteriological and chemical quality of water samples were determined using standard procedures. It was observed that residents in Kotei use water from urban water, hand dug wells and mechanized boreholes as their domestic water supply. The physical and chemical quality of water at primary and secondary storage were within the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana guideline values except total suspended solids (TSS) with an average parametric value of 1.0 ± 0.5 mg/l for source and 1.5 ± 0.7 mg/l for storage. Total coliform and Escherichia coli numbers were higher in the water storage than the three major water supply sources. Out of the 55 respondents, only one used alum to treat water occasionally. Ninety-four percent (94%) and 92% of the respondents respectively had no knowledge about water treatment and water quality issues. The water was stored in storage containers without lid. The frequency of cleaning primary and secondary storage tanks above one month impacted negatively on the bacteriological quality of water. The community should be educated on household water supply hygienic practices.

Download Full Text