Microbiological Quality of Lower Usuma Dam Water from Inlet to Distribution in Three Area Councils of Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

An assessment of the microbiological quality of water samples from the Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plant and three urban districts (Bwari, Abuja Municipal and Gwagwalada) of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria was carried out. A total of 26 samples were analyzed in this study. The membrane filtration method for the detection of coliforms was used to determine aerobic, total coliform and faecal bacteria counts. The study found that total coliforms and faecal counts were not detected in the treated water of the lower Usuma Dam, but only along the distribution. The average number of coliforms ranged from 5.71 cfu/100ml to 4.91×101 cfu/100ml, with Gwagwalada having the highest. The results also showed that the difference in total coliforms and faecal counts for the water samples from AMAC and Bwari were not statistically significant (p<0.05), they were significantly different (p<0.05) in the total coliforms and faecal counts of the water samples from Gwagwalada distribution axis. Results obtained for bacteriological parameters were below set limits of WHO guidelines for drinking water quality at the treatment plant. The coliforms isolated in this study include the genera; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Shigella spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., and Salmonella spp. Their detection is an indication of the presence of pathogenic organisms. Efforts should be intensified by relevant authorities to improve monitoring, enlighten the populace on importance of proper hygiene and sanitation.