Abstract:
Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of drinking
water sources in Ethiopia and compare the water quality with the health-based target. For this purpose,
the water quality database of Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from 2010 to 2016 was used.
Methods: The concentration and other properties of the water samples were analyzed according to
the Standard Methods of Water and Wastewater analysis. Quality control and quality assurance were
applied in all stages following our laboratory standard operation procedures (SOPs).
Results: The concentration of the selected parameters varied based on the type of water sources. The
mean concentration of turbidity was higher in spring water (21.3 NTU) compared to tap (12.6 NTU)
and well (3.9 NTU) water sources. The mean concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical
conductivity (EC), sodium (Na+), and sulfate (SO4
-2) was found to be higher in spring water sources
than tap and well water sources. Comparably, the concentration of hardness, calcium, and magnesium
was found to be higher in well water sources than spring and tap water sources. The bivariate analysis
indicated that out of 845 analyzed water samples, more than 50% of the samples from Oromia region
had turbidity, pH, TDS, hardness, Ca++, K+, and Na+ within an acceptable limit. In addition, the logistic
regression analysis showed that water quality parameters were strongly associated with the type of water
sources and regional administration at P<0.05.
Conclusion: More than 80% of the samples analyzed from drinking water sources were in agreement
with WHO guidelines and national standards. However, the remaining 20% specifically, pH (25%),
calcium (20%), hardness (18.1%), TDS (15.5%), and turbidity (13.3%) analyzed from improved water
sources did not comply with these recommendations. Due to objectionable or unpleasant taste, people
may force to look for alternative unprotected water sources that lead to health concerns.
