Bacteriological quality of drinking water and associated factors in Debre Markos town, North West, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Background Drinking of biologically deteriorated water is the major cause of water-borne disease globally. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriological quality and associated factors of drinking water in Debre Markos town, Northwest, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted from June 2021 to April, 2022. Purposive, simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to collect a total of 211 water samples from water sources and households. After about 400ml of water sample were collected, water samples were analyzed by membrane filtration method using membrane lauryl sulphate broth media at Debre Markos water supply and sewerage service laboratory to identify total coliform and thermotolerant coliform. Data was collected and double entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for statistical analysis. Logistic regression with 95% CI was used to show the statistical association. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result This study result indicates that 84/211 (39.8%) and 74/211 (35.5%) of water samples were positive for total coliform and thermotolerant coliform, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that household samples from hand pump beneficiaries (AOR=11; 95% CI: (3.012, 40.368)) (p<0.001) and stored in not covered jerry can (AOR=25.6; 95% CI: (3.322, 37.312)) (p<0.002) were more likely to be contaminated with coliform. In addition, water samples from not covered storage containers (AOR=3; 95% CI: (1.015, 9.156)) (p<0.047) and water samples from households those not used water treatment in home (AOR=16.9; 95% CI: (2.754, 24.804)) (p<0.002) were more likely to be contaminated with coliforms. Conclusion This study revealed that bacteriological quality of drinking water deteriorates from sources to point of use. The presence of thermotolerant coliform in the drinking water samples demonstrates the presence of pathogenic microorganisms that would be a threat to individual consuming the water. Thus, regular monitoring of bacteriological quality of drinking water sources and health education programs on water quality should be enhanced to improve the quality of drinking water.