Ensuring Safe Drinking Water: Physicochemical Analysis of Water Sources in Malle Woreda, South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Water is essential for human life, yet contaminated drinking water poses significant health risks, leading to various waterborne diseases. The quality of drinking water is primarily determined by its physicochemical and biological characteristics, making regular monitoring crucial. However, no prior studies have assessed the physicochemical properties of drinking water in Malle Woreda, South Omo Zone, southern Ethiopia. This study aims to evaluate the levels of selected physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, free chlorine, combined chlorine, nitrate (NO₃ ^-), nitrite (NO₂ ^-), ammonia (NH₃), turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), and fluoride (F^-), in drinking water sources within the Malle district. Three water samples were randomly collected from three different kebeles: Gento, Kalendo, and Asheker. The results indicate that the measured values for temperature (25.0°C-27.23°C), pH (7.33-8.81), EC (102.4-124.1 µS/cm), turbidity (< 5 NTU), NH₃ (0-0.1 mg/L), NO₃ ^- (1.0-1.1 mg/L), NO₂ ^- (0.1-1.0 mg/L), F^- (0.6-1.5 mg/L), free chlorine (0.1 mg/L), and combined chlorine (0-0.1 mg/L) generally meet the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ethiopian Standards Agency (ESA). Overall, the findings suggest that the protected spring water in Malle Woreda is suitable for drinking purposes. Compared to WHO and ESA guidelines, as well as studies from other regions, the drinking water in this area exhibits good physicochemical properties. Regular monitoring and management of water sources remain essential to ensure long-term water safety. Therefore, this study serves as a stepping stone for further investigations into additional water quality parameters.