Water Quality and Consumer Perception: A Case Study of Alternative Water Supply (AWS) Sources in Dschang, Cameroon

The difficulty to supply good quality drinking water is becoming very critical in urban communities of Sub-Saharan countries. In Cameroon, Dschang alternative water supply (AWS) sources (springs) are threatened by contamination because of the high cost of acquiring portable. The main objective of the study was to assess consumers' perception and its effects on water consumption in Dschang municipality, Cameroon, specifically on evaluating the physicochemical and microbiological quality of AWS sources with consumers' perception of water potability. Data for this study was obtained through structured questionnaires administered through simple random sampling techniquw to 150 respondents and an analysis of physicochemical and microbiological water samples was also conducted at key AWS points: Lefock, Madagascar, Gendarmerie camp, La Vallée, and University campus B. The parameters analyzed included pH, conductivity, turbidity, TDS, cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na), total coliforms, and faecal coliforms adapted from Temgoua (2011). The parameters studied included the hydrogen ion concentration or acidity level (pH) of the different AWS sources. The pH values ranged between 5.26 and 7.51. The pH value for good quality water should be between 6.9 and 9.2. Results showed that water from AWS sources was not subjected to any home-based treatment. Lefock (pH value = 5.26), Madagascar (pH value = 5.50), Gendarmerie camp (pH value = 5.60), and La Vallee (pH value = 5.51) all did not meet the pH range for good quality water, except University of Dschang campus B (pH value = 7.51). About 75% of respondents perceived that AWS water is potable. Of the five supply sources studied, only the University of Dschang campus B source is acceptable for human consumption; the rest are unacceptable, with La Vallée source being the most contaminated with the lowest pH level. The study revealed that most Alternative Water Supply (AWS) sources in Dschang Urban Municipality have pH levels unsuitable for consumption, except University of Dschang campus B. Despite this, many respondents perceived the water as potable. Proper handling and control of AWS sources could boost water security and support economic growth.