Assessing the quality of the Kulfo River water for domestic use in the Limat area, Arba Minch

ABSTRACT Access to safe drinking water is crucial for human health, but many regions struggle with water scarcity and contamination. In the Limat area, these issues have led to significant health concerns, prompting the evaluation of the available water sources. This study aimed to assess the quality of Kulfo River water for domestic use. Water samples were collected from three sites during the dry and wet seasons of 2022 and analyzed according to APHA (2017) standards. The water suitability for drinking was determined using the CCME water quality index (WQI). While most parameters were within WHO and Ethiopian standards, significant deviations in turbidity were observed, ranging from 25.5 ± 3.54 to 88.2 ± 5.94 NTU, exceeding the 5 NTU limit. Total coliform ranged from 337.5 ± 17.68 to 1275 ± 388.09 counts/100 mL, and fecal coliform ranged from 212.5 ± 17.68 to 1225 ± 106.07 counts/100 mL, both far above acceptable limits. This contamination, likely from sanitation activities, animal waste, and agricultural runoff, suggests that while some parameters are acceptable, high turbidity and coliform levels make water unsafe for domestic use without treatment. Considerable treatment and pollution control are essential to ensure the safety of water.