Physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Debre Markos town, Northwest, Ethiopia

Background Access to safe drinking water is essential for human health; however, water contamination remains a major concern in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Rapid urbanization and inadequate sanitation threaten water quality. This study evaluated the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water. Objective This study aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Debre Markos Town in 2024. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using 66 water samples collected from boreholes, disinfection points, water taps, and household storage containers through stratified simple random sampling. Sample collection and laboratory analysis were performed according to ES ISO 5667-1 (2001) guidelines. Results Among the physicochemical parameters assessed, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, and fluoride levels generally met WHO standards, except for elevated temperatures (>15°C) at the source level. Free residual chlorine levels in source water, tap water, and household storage containers were below the recommended limits, whereas satisfactory levels were observed at the disinfection points. Bacteriological analysis revealed no detectable total or fecal coliforms at the disinfection points. However, total coliforms were detected in 22 (81.5%) tap water samples, 24 (88.9%) household water samples, and three borehole samples. In addition, fecal coliforms were detected in 3 (37.5%) borehole samples, 17 (63%) tap water samples, and 21 (77.8%) household water samples. Conclusion and Recommendation Although most physicochemical parameters met acceptable standards, water temperature, free residual chlorine, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms exceeded recommended limits in several samples. Strengthening source protection, ensuring effective disinfection, and maintaining regular water treatment are essential to improve drinking water quality in Debre Markos Town.