ABSTRACT
This study assessed the quality of drinking water in Ohonre Community, Egor LGA,
Edo State, by analyzing two sachet water samples (A and B) and two borehole water
samples (C and D). Laboratory analyses covered physical (pH, turbidity), chemical
(heavy metals, total dissolved solids), and microbiological (total coliforms, E. coli)
parameters. The results indicated that pH levels for samples A (6.36 ± 0.12) met
WHO and NSDWQ standards (6.5–8.5), whereas samples B (5.84 ± 0.19), C (5.57 ±
0.12), and D (5.90 ± 0.20) were slightly acidic. Total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged
from 5.67 ± 0.58 mg/l to 25.67 ± 1.15 mg/l, well below the permissible limit of 500
mg/l. Microbial analysis showed total coliform counts exceeding the zero standard,
with values between 4.00 ± 1.73 and 6.00 ± 2.00 CFU/100 ml, and detectable E. coli
in all samples (mean range: 1.67 ± 1.53 to 2.67 ± 1.53 CFU/100 ml), indicating
potential health risks. Chemical parameters such as chloride (14.12 ± 0.00 mg/l) and
iron (0.13 ± 0.00 mg/l) were within safe limits. However, calcium, magnesium, and
nitrate levels remained consistently low. The findings suggest that despite meeting
some physicochemical standards, microbial contamination poses significant health
risks. Recommendations include regular monitoring, improved treatment practices,
and stricter adherence to drinking water quality guidelines to ensure public health
safety
