Determining water quality and the associated risk factors to contamination in kalingalinga compound of Lusaka District, Zambia

Overview: This study investigated the quality of water and the associated risk factors leading to contamination in the Kalingalinga Compound of Lusaka District, Zambia. Given the critical role that access to clean water plays in public health, the study focused on identifying the contaminants present in water sources and assessing the underlying factors contributing to their presence. Body of Knowledge: The study explored the crucial aspects of water quality assessment and the identification of contamination sources in a densely populated urban area. It aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the water quality parameters, such as microbial, chemical, and physical contaminants, and their impact on public health. By analyzing the various environmental, infrastructural, and human factors contributing to water contamination, the study sought to identify the primary risk factors, including inadequate sanitation, poor waste management, and the proximity of water sources to pollution points. Methods: This study employed a cross sectional study design in which 90 participants of Kalingalinga compound were selected at random in relation to their drinking water sources. Water samples were collected along with a structured questionnaire which was administered to each participant’s household. Physical, Chemical and Microbial tests were conducted to determine the quality of water and the Total bacterial count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC) were established. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for contamination in STATA software. Results: The study found that FCC of water samples from 15 sources (17%) were above the maximum legally accepted limits. Levels of coliforms did not conform to Zambian and WHO standards. Females were 13 times more likely to contaminate water than males (AOR: 12.42; 95% CI = 1.64,94.0; P = 0.02) whereas households that did not have adequate drinking water were 9 times more likely to contaminate the water than those who did (AOR = 8.26; 95% CI = 1.23,55.46; P = 0.03). Recommendation: Immediate solutions are required to eliminate contaminations from water sources in the Kalingalinga compound proceeded by awareness on the best hygienic practices to ensure the quality of drinking water, encouraging the use of water filtration systems from the borehole to the house and improvement of sanitation with the help of the DHO, NGO and other stakeholders.