Microbial Analysis of Drinking Water from Randomly Selected Boreholes and Shallow Wells around Hargeisa, Somaliland

Abstract

Background: Shallow wells and boreholes are vital sources of potable water in Hargeisa. This water can be polluted by runoff, in particular during the rainy season, causing outbreaks of waterborne infections. Objectives: This research aimed at evaluating the microbial quality of shallow wells and boreholes water around Hargeisa, Somaliland. Methods: The total coliform and Escherichia coli count were done by using the membrane filtration method. Overall, 100 ml of each water sample was filtered via a 0.45 μm membrane filter, and then the filters were put on m-Endo agar plates that were incubated at 37 ̊C for 24 to 48 hours. Results: The mean value of total coliform counts for the boreholes and shallow wells ranged from 1.288 × 10 to 8.8 × 10 CFU/100ml, while the mean value of total E. coli counts also ranged from 3.5 × 10 to 4.429 × 10 CFU/100ml. Results from this study have demonstrated that all water sources (Arabsiyo, Dararweyne, Darasalaam, Dabaraqas, and Jaleelo) don’t comply with the WHO guideline for drinking water. Results from the analysis of water samples of 28 wells demonstrated a significant correlation between total coliform and E. coli counts (P = 0.01). Therefore, this water is not fit for human consumption unless it is treated. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that all results of both mean values of total coliform and E. coli counts from groundwater of selected shallow wells and boreholes were beyond WHO standards, so water from Arabsiyo, Jaleelo, Dabaraqas, Dararweyne, and Darasalaam requires treatment before human consumption.