Appraisal of Public Pipe-borne Water Quality in Jimeta/Yola Adamawa State (Nigeria): From the Treatment-plants to End-user Points

Abstract

This research aimed at assessing the drinking water quality of piped water distribution in Jimeta-Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria. The strategy was based on establishing the possibilities of contaminants underlying the distribution channels compromising the quality from the treatment source to the consumer point of use. Selected heavy metals and physiological parameters were determined toward establishing the water quality indices (WQI). Though, most of the parameter determined fell below or within the permissible limits (PL) set by WHO for drinking water, the results indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in the concentrations determined in the treatment plants (Yola treatment plant (YTP) and Jimeta treatment plant (JMTP)) with those at the consumer endpoints (YTPC and JMTPC). The results showed the WQI at the treatment plants being compromised due to the induction of pollutants across the distribution pipes. The water samples at the treatment point (JMTP) were excellent, having WQI <25 and good quality at YTP (25< WQI<50). However, the water quality on leaving the treatment source was observed to slightly change to poor quality at JMTPC (WQI= 57.00), and further observed to be in moderate-good quality at YTPC (WQI=49.27). Further analysis showed an increase in bacterial counts in the water samples at the consumer points.  Escherichia coli concentrations of 565 and 718 cfu /100 mL were detected in samples from YTPC and JMTPC, despite the fact the water was observed to be free from bacteria at the treatment plants.