Assessment of water quality in Moroto municipality and comparative analysis of point of-use treatment technologies

Abstract

Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a global challenge. The objective of this study was to assess water quality for sources in Moroto municipality and evaluate performance of two Point-of-Use treatment technologies. Twenty-three water sources were sampled then physio-chemical and microbiological parameters analyzed to establish baseline data of their water quality. Subsequently, samples were filtered by ceramic and biosand filters and post-treatment water quality analysis done. Identification of sources of contamination was done by sanitary inspection of the water sources. Results show that before filtration, temperature results met the standard, 25°C except for 3 samples, potential of Hydrogen was within standard range, 5.5-9.5 except for 2 samples. Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids and turbidity all met standards, 2.5 ms/cm, 1500 mg/l and 25 NTU respectively. Coliform bacteria were present in 9 samples. Free Chlorine Residual was tested for tap water and it was absent. Post-treatment analysis showed that filtered samples from the ceramic filter met physio-chemical and biological standards while samples from the biosand filter met physio-chemical standards but 17 contained coliform bacteria. Probable causes of inefficiency of the biosand filter include improper installation, inadequate maintenance, contaminated water inlet and biofilm formation. Eight boreholes had high contamination risk, 4 boreholes and 2 taps had medium contamination risk and, 1 borehole and 8 taps had low contamination risk. Generally, water sources met physio-chemical standards but 9 had coliform bacteria hence, the need for water filters to prevent waterborne diseases.