Microbiological Analysis of Household Water Tanks in Egypt

The world faces a significant challenge in meeting freshwater demands due to the limited availability of fresh and pure water. This study investigated the microbial quality of domestic water tanks in Cairo, Egypt, to assess the possible health effects of stored water. Water samples were obtained from the household tanks at Azhar University and analyzed for bacterial content using membrane filtration and serial dilution techniques. The differences observed in the microbial plate counts showed a variation across seasons and temperatures, and the total plate counts were noted in the winter and the summer water samples at 35°C and 22°C, respectively. Some samples had low microbial counts, while others had higher ones, which could imply contamination. Faecal and total coliform concentrations were relatively low and, in some cases, within the range of the WHO requirements. The study emphasizes the importance of microbial quality sampling in water samples, as some samples may pose health hazards. It suggests improved standards in cleaning water tanks to ensure safe drinking water. Proper water treatment and risk checks can help eliminate potential health risks and provide a secure water supply. Clean water is crucial for human health and sustainable development, and ensuring adequate and safe water is essential for consumption.