WATER QUALITY, HYGIENE AND HEALTH STATUS

ABSTRACT

Access to clean water and adequate hygiene are fundamental human rights and essential for a healthy life. Safe drinking water and good hygiene practices help to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and improve overall health of individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the water quality, hygiene and health status of Bendel Development Property Authority (BDPA) residence. This study was investigated using standard analytical procedures, membrane filtration, standard plate techniques and questionnaires respectively. Findings revealed that the pH values of the residence ranged from 4.83 to 5.60. Electrical Conductivity (EC) had concentrations that ranged from 37.30 µS/cm to 88.30 µS/cm. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) ranged from 5.23 to 7.30. Turbidity ranged from 3.00 NTU to 6.50 NTU. Zinc was not detected in three of the locations. Iron was detected in five locations at concentrations of 0.10mg/l. The total heterotrophic bacterial population in this study ranged from 5.0 cfu/100ml to 164 cfu/100ml. From the questionnaire survey, it was discovered that borehole water was the major source of water for most of the residents. 62 (41.3%) agreed they suffered from typhoid in the last six months before the study was carried out. Although the majority of residents have access to water availability and practice good hygiene, a significant proportion still experience health issues such as dysentery and typhoid. Therefore, the public needs to have an increased access to quality healthcare and improved sanitation and hygiene practices in the community.