ANALYSIS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL, PHYSICOCHEMICAL QUALITY AND SANITARY CONDITION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY AROUND GUANGUA TOWN, WEST GUJI ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>: Fluctuations in Potable water quality parameters are potential cause for waterborne disease along with poor water sanitation and hygiene condition. In order to be used as healthful fluid for human consumption, water must be free from organisms that are capable of causing diseases and from minerals and environmental factors that could produce adverse health effects. The aim of the study was to analyze bacteriological, physicochemical quality and sanitary condition of potable water around Guangua town. The study is designed to include experimental analysis of 31triplicate water samples from Shallow well, reservoirs, public taps and households and observation of sanitary condition of water environment starting from June to November, 2021 by using Portable TechPro II™ Series Model, observation checklist, Assembly of filtration apparatus and Palintest Photometer 7100 instruments respectively. The experimental analysis confirmed that TC average value for triplicates ranges from 12.3 to 240.3cfu/100ml; FC average values ranges from 1.3 to 61.3cfu/100m. Mean values of both TC and FC were exceeded the standards which recommended the values should have to be 0cfu/100ml. pH ranged from 6.2 to 7.7; Average temperature ranged from 20.50C to 27.30C; Average EC values ranged from 79.8µs/cm to 1085.7µs/cm; TDS values were ranged from 49.6ppm to 749ppm; Nitrite concentration ranged from 0 to 23mg/l; Ammonia concentrations were ranged from 0 to 13mg/l; Sulphate concentrations ranged from 0 to 46.7mg/l; Phosphate concentrations ranged from 0 to 12.08mg/l; Iron concentration of the study area ranges from 0 to 4.7mg/l; The concentrations of Potassium were ranged from 1.5 to 9.5 mg/l; Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0 to 12.3mg/l; Total alkalinity ranged from 0 to 356.7mg/l. Except sulphate, Nitrite and Total alkalinity, most of the rest parameters result were not fall within the permissible limit. The observed problems will be minimized by following up of bacteriological, physicochemical parameters and hygiene of potable water environment on regular basis and by developing action plans, and commit the resources necessary to improve operational processes and overall drinking water quality performance before situation happening based seasons.