BACTERIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL STUDIES OF WATER FROM VARIOUS SOURCES – AWASSA & ITS SURROUNDING

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted in Sidama Zone, Awassa area and it was aimed at obtaining baseline data on which one will depend to assist in the management of water quality control program. Study sites were systematically selected and a total of 37 water samples from various sources were collected. Multiple tube fermentation technique was used to determine bacteriological quality of water. Of the 37 tested water samples 3(8.1%) were bacteriologically unsafe. 2 (5.4%) required sanitary checks on equipment. Samples for chemical analysis were taken from eight sites. Cations and anions were measured by direct reading spectrophotometer (OR1200 HACH) using their respective nanometres. The results of the chemical analyses of the water samples showed that in 3 samples (37.5%) the fluoride content exceeds the guideline value accounting 2.04 mg /1, 2.06 mg/1 and 2.30 mg/1 in Gale, Gamato gale and Ibalicho (hot spring) respectively. The level of Sodium cation in Ibalicho is 208 mg/1 which is higher than the water samples taken from other sources. The physical examination report indicated that turbidity of Abela and Morocho waters reached 22 NTU and 14 NTU respectively which is objectionable to consumers. Finally it is suggested that measures should be taken to improve the aesthetic quality of municipal water supply system and other sources to ensure the acceptability of drinking water.

Note: The report is available at the Central Technical Library of the ESTC.

(Report 1996)

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