Abstract

Desalegn Amenu, Sissay Menkir and Tesfaye Gobena

In Ethiopia, access to improved water supply and sanitation was estimated at 38% and 12% respectively. This study was conducted to assess the microbiological quality of drinking water sources and water handling practices in rural communities of Dire Dawa Administrative Council (Adada, Legedini and Legebira PA). The water samples were the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Water analysis demonstrated microbiological water quality analysis. The average counts of TC were in the range of 1.5-133.05CFU/100ml whereas the average counts of FC were found to be 0.34-54CFU/100ml. The mean concentration of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium ranges from 0 to 5.6 and 0 to 6.5, respectively. The fact that, about 83.34% of the water sample was positive for indicator bacteria shown that the three selected PA had risk of contamination in the three selected PAs which show the high risk of microbiological water quality parameters. High concentration of microbiological indicators in all water sources of this study area may demonstrate the presence of pathogenic organisms which constitute a threat to anyone consuming or in contact with these waters. Protection of water sources accompanied by sanitation and hygiene promotion programs can improve the water quality of rural water sources, where disinfection is not feasible.