Physicochemical quality of drinking water sources in Ethiopia and its health impact: a retrospective study

• Published in: Environmental systems research 2015-11, Vol.4 (1), p.1-8, Article 22
• Main Authors: Alemu, Zinabu Assefa, Teklu, Kirubel Tesfaye, Alemayehu, Tsigereda Assefa, Balcha, Kifle Habte, Mengesha, Sisay Derso
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis
• ISSN: 2193-2697; 2193-2697
• DOI: 10.1186/s40068-015-0049-7

Background This retrospective study was aimed to examine the distribution of some physicochemical parameters and its health impact in selected drinking water sources of Ethiopia. The study used 983 water samples collected from different regions of the country, and have been tasted in the Environmental Health Laboratory, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, from 2003 to 2011. The samples were collected from eight regions plus two administrative cities of the country and classified based on the source type as spring, well, and tap water. Methods The physicochemical parameter analysis was executed based on standard method. Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistical software were used for the statistical analysis of median and graph. Results The median result indicates that some values are within the acceptable range (PH, magnesium, chloride and sodium from spring and tap water), but, there are some measured values in some regions which are out of the recommended limit, (total hardness and calcium in spring, tap and well water). On the other hand, very high Sodium and chloride concentration were recorded in spring, tap, and well water sources of the region such as Somali, Afar, and Oromia. Conclusions Those water sources that do not conform to National Standard will result in public health problem in long time exposure. Therefore, the local water authority shall strengthen local water quality monitoring and control system as well as risk assessment and management mechanisms.