Population Perception of Drinking Water Sources in Buea Municipality, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Drinking water sources have always contributed to water quality positively or negatively. This study assessed the perception of drinking water sources and quality on the health of residents in Buea municipality. It employed the use of questionnaires and water quality tests in six selected communities to understand residents' perceptions and potential health risks associated with drinking water quality. The study included 340 participants selected through convenience sampling across 8 communities. The findings revealed that consumer perception of public water supply quality in the study area focused on aesthetic features such as taste, color, trust in the water utility provider, and safety. Dissatisfaction with the physical appearance of water sources was reported by 32.3% of population, while 56.2% expressed satisfaction. Odor, taste, and color significantly affected satisfaction levels. A significant proportion (40.6% and 42.4%) indicated a lack of trust or partial trust in water utility providers due to limited information received. Additionally, 68.8% of participants perceived their water as unsafe primarily due to frequently experienced waterborne diseases, with health effects identified as a key indicator of water quality deterioration by 65.2% of respondents. Water samples collected from public supplies generally met WHO recommendations for physicochemical parameters, except for turbidity, which exceeded the recommended 5 NTU in all samples. Microbial contamination, indicated by the presence of total coliforms, was detected in four water samples. The health survey data revealed a high incidence (68.53%) of water-related diseases among respondents, including typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and stomachaches. These research outcomes enhance understanding of the relationship between residents' perception of drinking water sources, water quality, and health outcomes in Buea municipality. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, water management authorities, and public health officials to develop strategies that improve water quality, address residents' concerns, and safeguard public health.