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ABSTRACT Water is a transparent and colorless chemical substance that is the main constituent of Earth's streams, lakes and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. Potable water is the water that is free from disease producing microorganisms and chemical substances that are dangerous to health. Ground water is more reliable for domestic and agricultural irrigation needs. Groundwater contamination is caused by chemicals, road salt and biological contaminants such as microorganisms. Microbial quality is one of the primary indicators for the safety of a drinking water supply. Significantly, microbial contaminants such as Escherichia coli and Cryptosporidium parvum compromise the safety of the water. Members of the coliform are used as indicators for assessing the microbial quality of water. Water borne diseases are transmitted through the direct drinking of contaminated water. Water samples were sourced from borehole water running from taps installed in various halls of residence in University of Benin. Benin City, Edo State. Seven samples was collected. The samples were bacteriologically analyzed using pour plate technique. Plates were labelled for Nutrient agar and Eosin methylene Blue agar (EMB). 0.5ml aliquot was inoculated into plates labelled for nutrient agar ,while 1ml aliquot was inoculated into plates labelled EMB. After which 10 ml of appropriate molten agar was poured gently on inoculated plates. The plates were incubated for 24 hrs at 37oC after which plates were examined for growth. All the screened plates had varying levels of bacterial growth. Sub culture was done using nutrient agar. Identification was carried out culturally, morphologically and biochemically. Isolates obtained from water samples include; Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, Serratia spp, and Morganella spp. All water samples except sample B did not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) standard and are therefore not fit for drinking without processing.
