Assessment of drinking water quality from source to consumer for Arba Minch town of Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Clean drinking water is a basic need for good human health. The main objective of this study was the assessment of water quality from source to user point within the Arba Minch town water supply system. In this study, Water samples were collected from high to low-income areas using composite sampling techniques. The samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory. The pH values were mostly within the acceptable range (7.2–7.8). The bacteriological quality at the user point was severely compromised. The highest, the average and the lowest values were recorded (23 CFU/100 mL), (6 CFU/100 mL) and 12 CFU/100 mL. That value exceeds the World Health Organization guideline of 0 CFU/100 mL for potable drinking water. The spring water source of Arba Minch town was characterized as a dominant magnesium bicarbonate. The low-income level results showed more contamination. According to the findings, water quality corrosion and fecal coliform occurred in the water distribution system of Arba Minch Town and corrosion occurred at the source. Thus, for safe drinking water, a drainage system, sewage disposal systems, and adequate chlorine water disinfection are necessary. Therefore, water treatment and its utilization are highly recommended to prevent waterborne diseases in the town.