Water quality assessment and consumers' perception in Appiadu, Kumasi, Ashanti Region of Ghana

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Date
2014-10-30
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Abstract
The provision of quality water supply to communities is critical in enhancing their health status. This study assessed the quality of water supplied to inhabitants of Appiadu in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Republic of Ghana, by the Appiadu Community Water Supply System. Water samples from the main reservoir and selected household taps were analysed for some physico-chemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods. A survey was also conducted to assess consumers' perception of the quality of their water supply. Results of the study showed that mean levels of total coliform, faecal coliform, total viable count and faecal enterococci in all the water samples far exceeded the WHO and Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) permissible limits for drinking water. Escherichia coli and Salmonella were, however absent in all the samples. It was also revealed that the mean concentrations of all of the investigated physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity and total hardness) were within the respective WHO / GSA permissible limits. Analysis of the survey results also revealed that majority of inhabitants at Appiadu had no concern about the physical properties (that is taste, smell and colour) of their water, and were satisfied with its quality, even though the microbiological analysis indicates a poor quality, and may pose a health risk to consumers. This study has help highlight the incident of coliform bacteria in the Appiadu Water System.  
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Thesis submitted to the College of Science in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of MSc. degree in Environmental Science.
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