Microbial Analysis of Domestic Water Sources in Namuwongo Slum of Kampala, Uganda

There is a dearth of information regarding the safety of the water in Namuwongo slum, despite claims of cholera, diarrhea and typhoid fever outbreaks. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the danger that Namuwongo people might face from waterborne diseases as a result of contaminating water sources. A sample of 50 respondents was questioned about the procedures used for gathering, treating, and storing water. In July2024, two distinct days were chosen to collect water samples in duplicate using sterile glass bottles from the tap water, spring and well. They were carried in a lightproof, insulated box with ice packs to the laboratory for investigation of the total and faecal coliform counts in less than two hours. For the well, the average Escherichia coli count was 43 ± 18 c.f.u/mL. The overall plate count level of the spring water was 76 ± 15 c.f.u/mL, however there was no detectable E. coli. Just 46% of those surveyed used boiling and filtration techniques to purify their drinking water. There were signs of poor hygiene and sanitation standards. Because so few people in Namuwongo treated their water, the total and faecal coliform levels of the water sources were unacceptable, placing the citizens at great risk of contracting waterborne diseases. Keywords: High pH; Electrical conductivity; Eutrophication; Nutrients; Plant and human life