Bacteriological Analysis of Water Tanks in Halls of Residence at Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the quality of water supply to the hall of residence of Achievers
University Owo, Ondo State. The water samples were obtained from three different storage tanks in the
institution hostel. The water sources were assessed for microbiological quality. The total coliform counts
were determined by standard plate count method, multiple fermentation and the use of different media.
The viable bacteria count ranges from 0 to 381 x 104 cfu/ml and total coliform ranges from 0 to 81 x 104
mpn/ml. Total number of eight bacteria were isolated from the three water tanks. These bacteria isolates
were Escherichia spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Staphylococcus spp,
Streptococcus spp and Bacillus spp. The detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella and
Pseudomonas species in borehole water that was intended for human consumption suggests that water
from these sources may pose severe health risks to consumers and is unsuitable for direct human
consumption without treatment. This study recommends treatment of water prior to use in order to
protect the consumers from further possible consequences of using the water.