Assessing drinking water quality in compliance with WHO standards: Analysis of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters in Mogadishu, Somalia

This study evaluates the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of household drinking water across 6 districts in Mogadishu, Somalia, to assess compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. A total of 84 water samples were collected and analyzed for parameters including temperature, turbidity, pH, free residual chlorine (FRC), iron content, and the presence of coliform bacteria. The results reveal widespread deviations from WHO guidelines, with the mean water temperature (29.6°C) exceeding the recommended threshold of 15°C, and turbidity levels surpassing WHO limits in Hodan and Abdiaziz districts. Although pH values were largely within the acceptable range (6.16–7.04), variations across districts were observed. Critically, FRC levels (mean 0.02 mg/L) were far below the recommended range of 0.2–5 mg/L. Bacteriological contamination was pervasive, with total coliforms detected in all districts, and the highest levels recorded in Kahda (86.3 CFU/100 mL) and the lowest in Hamarwein (9.3 CFU/100 mL). Fecal coliforms were detected only in Hodan district (mean 37.4 CFU/100 mL). The study underscores the challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 in conflict-affected urban areas and provides crucial baseline data for evidence-based water management strategies in Mogadishu. The findings emphasize the need for improved water treatment and targeted interventions to ensure safe drinking water and mitigate waterborne disease risks.