Investigating Factors Contributing to Microbiological Quality in Handling Stored Water Among Residents of Sinazeze Compound in Sinazongwe District, Zambia

Abstract

<jats:p>The deterioration of drinking water quality following the collection from a community water source such as boreholes and standpipes during storage in the home has been well documented. However, there is a view that the postsupply contamination is of little Public health consequence. This research explores the potential health risks from consuming contaminated drinking water at household level. A conceptual framework of principal factors that determine the pathogen load in household drinking water is proposed. Using this framework, a series of hypotheses are developed about the risk of disease transmission from contaminated water and examined the light of current literature and detailed field observation in rural Sinazeze communities. It is shown that considerable evidence of disease transmission from recontaminated drinking water at the household level exists. In particular the type of storage container and hand contact with stored drinking water has been associated with increased incidences of diarrhoeal diseases. There is also circumstantial evidence linking such factors as sanitary conditions in the domestic environment, cultural norms, and poverty with the pathogen load of household stored drinking water and hence the risk of disease transmission. Mortalities and morbidities have proliferated due to continued consumption of contaminated water at household level. A study was undertaken to explore factors contributing to microbiological quality in handling stored water among residents of Sinazeze Compound in Sinazongwe District, Zambia The study used qualitative analytical research approaches to collect and analyse data from 60 householders. The results show that the community had generalized knowledge about factors contributing to contamination of household water supply sources. Yet they overlooked individual factors contributing to contamination of household water supplies. This study found improper disposal of water agro-chemicals containers, faecal matter, pesticide and general household waste. Personal hygiene of water handlers, collectors and users, unconcern use of dirty utensils when dawning water from the storage constrainers including individual failures to secure water from contaminants, poor storage practices, type of storage vessel, transportation and sending children to draw water from storage containers contribute to the problem of contamination even if water was safe at the source or point of collection. In conclusion the quantity and quality of household water supplies should be given equal importance. Awareness related to ‘water conservation’ and ‘safe drinking water’ is extremely important and should be given a good thought to the people.</jats:p>