Abstract

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An investigation was carried out to determine the bacteriological quality of potable water from different locations and sources within Keffi metropolis. Water samples from Tap, Borehole and Well were collected in duplicates from ten (10) different locations within Keffi metropolis. Samples obtained were analyzed bacteriologically using standard methods. The spread plate method following serial dilution and the Most Probable Number techniques were used for the isolation of microorganisms and determination of the total viable counts from samples. For water samples from tap, borehole and well, the total viable counts were 5.5 x 106cfu/ml, 6.3xl06cfu/ml and 8.3xl06 cfu/ml respectively, while the Most Probable Number counts of coliform bacteria were 22.0 (MPN/100 ml), 24.5 (MPN/100 ml) and 40.5 (MPN/100 ml), respectively. Of the eight bacteria species isolated from the studied samples, all eight (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysentriae, E. coli and Enter ococcus faecalis) were found in well water samples. All the species except K. pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enter ococcus faecalis were found in borehole water samples, while Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and £. coli were isolated from tap water samples. The results of this investigation indicated that most potable water within Keffi Metropolis are not microbiologically safe for human consumption, therefore there is need for stringent treatment of water before consumption so as to avoid potential health hazard.

Keywords: Bacteriology, potable water, Keffi, Nigeria.