Abstract

Water is critical for the proliferation of life and all known forms of life including man depend on water. Hence adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings. This study investigated the microbiological quality sources of drinking water in Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria as to ascertain the potability of the water. Water samples were aseptically collected from five (5) boreholes located around the Pharmacy Laboratory, Hostel C, Male Hostel, Rotary Tap, and Bursary Unit. Samples were analyzed using standard pour plate method and the most probable number (MPN) technique. Mean values of total heterotrophic bacterial counts for the borehole water in Pharmacy Lab, Hostel C, Male hostel, Rotary Tap, and Bursary unit were 1.1 x 10²CFU/ml, 1.2 x 10² CFU/ml, 2.1 x 10²CFU/ml, 1.0 x 10²CFU/ml and 2.5 x 10² CFU/ml respectively. While the MPN index for coliform counts in borehole water samples in Male Hostel, Bursary Unit and Hostel C was 50 cells/100ml, 26 cells/100ml and 2 cells/100ml respectively. However, Pharmacy Lab and Rotary Tap had 0 cells/100ml (zero count). The fungal counts from Pharmacy Lab was 2.2 x 10²CFU/ml, while counts for Hostel C, Male hostel, Rotary Tap, was 1.0 x 10²CFU/ml each, and Bursary unit was 1.1 x 10²CFU/ml. The bacteria isolated and identified were; Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Enterobacter, Bacillus, and Serratia sp, while the fungi were; Penicillium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus sp. The bacteria and fungi isolated contain species which are potential pathogens capable of causing disease. Thus, there is urgent need for public awareness on the danger associated with the use and consumption of these borehole water without adequate treatment.