Access to safe and quality water is essential for human sustenance, agriculture, and industry. However, in numerous places, available water is not safe for human consumption and not obtainable in sufficient quantities to meet basic health needs. The World Health Organization estimated that about 1.1 billion people globally drink unsafe water, and most diarrheal diseases in the world are attributed to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and unhygienic practices. The quality of water supplied by the municipality should be measured against national standards for drinking water, which recommend that faecal indicator bacteria, especially E. coli or TTC, should not be found in any 100 mL of drinking water. Despite the availability of standards and guidelines, faecal contamination of drinking water sources has been documented, especially in low-income countries. Water quality, especially microbiological content, can be compromised during collection, transport, and home storage. Possible sources of drinking water contamination include open field defecation, animal waste, economic activities, waste from residential areas, and flooding.
. Any water source is vulnerable to such contamination. This study in Thulamela municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa, found that while E. coli and total coliform were not detected in water samples at the source, most samples from street taps and household storage containers were contaminated with high levels of E. coli and total coliform. The levels of E. coli and total coliform detected during the wet season were higher than the levels detected during the dry season. Trace metal levels in the drinking water samples were within permissible range, and the calculated non-carcinogenic effects of drinking water through ingestion and dermal pathways were less than unity, implying no significant non-carcinogenic health risks. However, intermittent interruption in municipal water supply and certain water transportation and storage practices by community members increase the risk of water contamination. The study recommends a more consistent supply of treated municipal water in Limpopo province and training of residents on hygienic practices of transportation and storage of drinking water from the source to the point of use. Access to a safe source alone does not ensure the quality of water that is consumed, and a good water source alone does not automatically translate to full health benefits in the absence of improved water storage and sanitation.
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