Impact of transport and storage practices on the microbiological quality of drinking water in Godomey district (Abomey-Calavi municipality) in the Republic of Benin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of drinking water contamination during transportation and storage at the household level of Godomey district in Benin. A survey carried out in 175 households was followed by a microbial analysis of water samples at the point of supply and after transport and storage in households over a period of 4 days. The results of the surveys showed that households obtain their supplies in water mostly from the network of the National Water Company of Benin (SONEB). In addition, they used private boreholes and wells as source of the drinking water. People who did not have direct access to water sources traveled a few meters with different materials (cans, plastics, basins) to obtain water and store it in households for their daily needs. This water was used for several days (1–7) before the renewal of the storage. The microbiological results revealed an increase in microbial contamination, specif- ically total germs and total coliforms, after transport and storage when compared with the point of supply, and as time passed. The fecal contamination was expressed by the presence of Escherichia coli. According to the study, 17% of well samples are polluted on the first and second days and are classified as dangerous quality. After 4 days, this pollution had spread to 50% of well samples. In addition, 17% of borehole water samples were found to be of poor quality, and none of the SONEB samples were contaminated with E. coli.