CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL & MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS SOURCES OF
WATER IN AND AROUND ADDIS ABABA

ABSTRACT

Every month, from November 1996 to October 1997, water samples from 18 different sites were collected. The samples belong to the following categories: reservoirs that supply Addis Ababa's tap water (Lake Gefersa and Legadadi) city taps, city swimming pools, Ambo mineral water, rain water, Akaki and Bulbula rivers and Lake Aba Samuel.

Four different physical variables (PH, Temp., TDS & Conductivity) and concentration of 19 different, cations, anions and CO2 were determined. The results revealed no health risk except the high concentration of Cr3+, Cd2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, Mn4+ and Nitrate in Akaki and Bulbula river samples. The water from these rivers is not consumed by city residents although it is used by rural communities to the east and southeast of Addis Ababa. Similarly, the two swimming pools included in this study had high TDS, HCO3 and Fluoride content as well as slightly increased Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ levels. On the other hand, parasitological and bacteriological analyses revealed all sources were clean except Akaki, Bulbula and Aba Samuel. In fact, these results suggest drinking waters of Addis Ababa are safe, while recreational waters of the city are acceptable for the purpose they serve. However, in view of polluted rivers flowing out of Addis Ababa and Lake Aba Samuel, methods of minimizing the health risks they pose are suggested.

Note: Only a manuscript is available at the Department of Mines, Water and Energy, ESTC. The final technical report has not been submitted yet.

(Report 1999)

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