Physiochemical and bacteriological quality of tanker vended water supply chain in Lodwar Town, Kenya

ABSTRACT Informal water vendors emerge in many sub-Saharan African countries like Kenya to fill water supply gaps caused by inefficiency of water utilities to meet water supply demand. Quality of water delivered by vendors is of concern owing to uncertainty of transportation/storage tanks’ hygiene and water sources used. This study assessed water quality parameters of tankers in Lodwar Town, from the source to consumers. Standard methods for determining water quality were used to measure parameter concentrations. Key findings: temperature (28.27–32.26 °C), turbidity (2.04–5.90 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (3.66–7.27 mg/L), pH (7.63–8.65), free residual chlorine (0–0.19 mg/L), nitrite (0.004 mg/L), ammonium (0.0425–0.0426 mg/L), sulphate (0.019–0.021 mg/L), and faecal coliforms (6.40–199.40 CFUs/100 mL). The study revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) across tankers’ supply chains using one-way ANOVA testing. Turbidity surpassed WHO limits of 5.0 NTU at the consumers. Faecal coliforms were detected at all sampling points, implying faecal/microbial contamination of water, making it unsafe for drinking. The contributing factors were inadequate water treatment, poor hygiene, improper handling, and lack of monitoring and regulation. These findings highlight the status of tanker vendors’ water quality and the need for stringent monitoring and regulation of water vendors in Lodwar Town.