Influence of the distribution network on the quality of treated water from the Cape Coast water supply system within the Cape Coast Metropolitan Area, Ghana

ABSTRACT The quality of household water has a direct impact on the control of waterborne illnesses and overall public health. This study assesses the impacts of the water distribution network on the quality of water supplied within the Cape Coast Metropolis. Tests for pH, colour, turbidity, residual chlorine, iron, total coliform, and E. coli of samples from 34 points along the distribution network were carried out, while identifying the various causes of the variations in water quality. The results from the analysis revealed that: pH ranged from 6.5 to 7.2; colour and turbidity affected water clarity across the study area; residual chlorine levels ranged from 0.08 to 1.62 mg/L; and total iron ranged from 0.11 to 0.41 mg/L, while total coliforms and E. coli were not detected in several samples. The study established that the tested water-quality parameters were mostly within the WHO standards, although some physicochemical parameters, including iron, chlorine, and turbidity, had values outside these standards. The water quality in the distribution network deteriorated as treated water from treatment plants was transported to the distant areas of the network, necessitating the need for constant monitoring of the system to better manage water quality.