Fecal Coliform Contamination of Rural Drinking Water Streams in Okitipupa: Implications for Public Health and Sustainable Water Management

Abstract

Introduction: Some Communities in Okitipupa LGA depend on streams for drinking water, exposing them to E. coli risks—a fecal indicator pathogens. Investigating its incidence is essential to quantify contamination levels, identify pollution sources and protect public health as studies show 90.8% or more of untreated household water sources exceed WHO safe limits in drinking water in Nigeria thereby heightening outbreak risks in rural or underserved areas. Aim: This study investigated the incidence of fecal coliforms in drinking water collected from streams in selected rural communities of Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA), Ondo State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Okitipupa LGA, Ondo State, Nigeria, Sample collection and laboratory analysis were carried out over a period of three months. Study Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study assessed fecal coliform prevalence in five drinking-water streams in Okitipupa, Ondo State. Triplicate 100 mL samples were collected biweekly for two months. Physico-chemical parameters were measured in situ, while microbiological analysis involved culture, Gram staining, biochemical assays, and molecular techniques for bacterial identification. Results: Physico – chemical parameters varied across the streams: temperature ranged from 30.1± 1.75 to 31.8 ± 0.60oC; pH from 5.3 ±0.44 to 6.8 ± 0.11; TDS ranged from 0.63±0.03 to 0.02 ± 0.02mg/L; Electrical Conductivity 2.10 ± 0.09 to 0.19 ±0.07 µS/cm; Specific gravity 1.23 ± 0.25 to 1.00 ±0.00; Salinity 1.00 ±0.00 to 0.00±0.00. Bacteriological analysis detected E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Shigella dysenteriae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Micrococcus luteus, and Lactobacillus casei. Fecal coliforms occurred in 3/5 streams (60%), with E. coli signaling recent fecal contamination and health risks from untreated water. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for improved water sanitation, community education on safe water practices, and policy interventions to reduce contamination in rural communities of Okitipupa LGA.