Epidemiological surveillance of microbial contamination in water facilities amongst Nigerian states

Abstract: Epidemiological surveillance of microbial and physicochemical contamination in drinking water is important for monitoring the quality of water available nationwide. Thus resulting in targeted initiatives to aid the health and well-being of residents. This research aimed at detecting the main drinking water sources used by households in different states in Nigeria and the level of E. coli contamination in water facilities per state in Nigeria. Data was obtained from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources: Water Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping for the years 2019 and 2021. Selected water sources were: piped (water piped directly into dwelling), Sachet water, Borehole, and surface water (ie, river, stream, dam, lake, etc.) Lagos was observed to have the highest uncontested household use of sachet water at a level of over 50% while other states were below 30%. Of the selected forms of drinking water sources, the highest used in households across states in Nigeria is borehole, with 21 states out of 36 having over 30% household usage. Followed by surface water: stream, river, etc. For both years combined, 6 states showed 100% E. coli positive results, most of which were Northern states. Only Kwara state was observed to record 100% E. coli negative results in 2019. Though 2021 showed a national improvement as 6 more states joined in having 100% E. coli negative results. A number of states had unresolved results with respect to E. coli contamination in water facilities. The study identified geographic inequalities with respect to the accessibilities of improved drinking water sources amongst Nigerian states. Also, the observed 100% E. coli contamination of water facilities gives an inclination of the possibility of other microbial and physicochemical contaminants. This could pose a disease risk to residents. Confirming the necessity for targeted policies and metrics that reach the most marginalized population in states with high surface water use and E. coli contaminated water facilities Keywords: Epidemiological surveillance, microbial and physicochemical contamination, drinking water. Title: Epidemiological surveillance of microbial contamination in water facilities amongst Nigerian states Author: Olufunmilayo A. Mohammed, Eguono Esther Anomohanan, Perezimor Etifa, Augustina Okuwe Emokhare, Wesley Daniel Nafarnda International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) ISSN 2349-7823 Vol. 12, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 44-51 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 31-December-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18105193 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Epidemiological%20surveillance%20of%20microbial-31122025-2.pdf