Bacteriological Analysis of Protected Springs in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Abstract

Sixteen springs in Jimma zone, Southwestern Ethiopia were studied to investigate their bacteriological safety for drinking water. Four protected springs in Agaro, three in Jimma and two in Asendabo towns were found to be unacceptable. All protected springs in Shebe were classified as bacteriological acceptable. Failure of achieving a safe water supply appears largely attributed to the lack of post-construction disinfection and a lack of effective mechanisms for follow-up and maintenance after construction has been completed. Open sewage systems in bigger towns such as in Agaro were found to percolate adjacent to some springs and appear to be the major sources of contamination in these poorly maintained water supply systems. In smaller Cowns, absence of diversion ditches, and poor drainage systems around the protection fox were implicated as contributing factors to water quality deterioration. These findings highlight the fact that contamination of drinking water at the source, coupled with its further deterioration at home due to poor storage practice, may lead to increased potential risk of morbidity to consumers. Subsequently, efforts to increase safe water supply coverage and the resultant reduction of the hazard of contracting waterborne disease in the zone will not move forward, and in the worst scenario even may be reversed. Therefore, this study calls for periodic surveys of all protected springs in the zone so that the health benefits may be substantial.