ASSESSMENT OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY IN EL-OBEID CITY–NORTH KORDOFAN STATE, SUDAN

Background and Objective: Access to safe drinking-water is essential to health as water can become unsafe at any point between collection and consumption, this study aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in El-Obeid City, North Kordofan State, Sudan (2022 – 2025). Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Sample size determined according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for water sampling measurement, the samples were distributed across three sources: households (20), animal carts (12), and pump/wells (8). water samples were collected and analyzed for parameters includ ing(PH – Nitrite- Fluoride - Hardness – Calcium - Magnesium – Residual free chlorine and Total Dissolved Solids) and the presence of coliform bacteria Escherichia coli (E.coli)). Results: The findings showed that 72.5% of water samples were contaminated with Escherichia coli, with the highest contamination from animal carts (83%), followed by households (70%), and pump/wells (62.5%). Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for improved water treatment and targeted interventions to ensure safe drinking water and mitigate waterborne disease risks.