Determination Of The Sanitary Quality Of The Municipal Water Supply In Umuahia Metropolis:- Ofoma, Eberechi P.

ABSTRACT

Samples of drinking water were Collected from four different laces in Umuahia  Metropolis — Umudike, Ehimiri, Ahiaeke and Amawom and analyzed for their bacteriological quality. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts of the water from different places ranged from 2.6x10 to 3.8xl04 cfulml with the total coliform count ranging from l.OxlO3 to 1.6xl03 cfulml. Faecal coliforms were detected in only one of the samples. Out of the seven genera of organisms identified, Enterobacter spp were the highest in frequency followed by Klebsiella spp The presence of faecal coliforms  in one of the samples suggests that the drinking water sources are relatively safe. However, the high level of heterotrohic bacteria and the presence oftotal coliforms are causes for concern.