| dc.description.abstract | The quality of potable water sources in slums is a public health concern and water quality exhibits temporal (seasonal variations) and spatial variations. There is an information gap regarding water quality in the slums of Bwaise and Katanga, and even the distribution of water sources within these slums is not well understood by the public and the concerned stakeholders . Previous studies have focused solely on identifying water quality in these slums, without considering the spatial distribution of water quality. This study aimed at assessing water quality and determining the spatial distribution of water quality attributes in these slums. Onsite measurement of pH, EC, TDS, temperature, and turbidity was done using a multiparameter meter , free chlorine residual measured onsite using a pool tester, and E. coli contamination tested from the laboratory using membrane filtration method. The results were subjected to R for analysis and GIS for mapping of water sources and their parameters. A total of 132 water points were sampled; 98 from Bwaise and 34 from Katanga slum. From the results, 85.7% of water points sampled were from Bwaise and 67.6% from Katanga tested positive for E. coli . Based on the mapped results was observed that Katale zone in Katanga slum had the safest water quality, while Lufula zone in Bwaise slum had the poorest water quality . The results of this study provide valuable information for different stakeholders to plan and develop solutions that can improve living conditions of communities within slums and the overall well-being of Kampala city by identifying areas in need of intervention. It is recommended to sensitize people about waste management and educate them about the causes and dangers of water contamination. Also, establishing waste collection systems, including proper waste segregation and disposal methods, to prevent the accumulation of solid waste that can contaminate water sources. | en_US |
