Parasitological Contamination of Domestically Used Water Sources in Imiringi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Water is inevitable for efficient physiological activities in human body system. However, relying on water from unsatisfied source is threating to the wellbeing of human. This study examined water samples from domestically used sources. The study tested parasite diversity, level of parasitic contamination and determined health risk of users. Water was sampled from bore hole, kolo creek, rain water in tanks and hand-made well. The analytical method adopted in this study was the centrifugal sedimentation method. The result revealed high (23.2%) parasite contamination of water from the various sampled sources, indicating health risk of users. The parasites implicated in this study were Ascaris lumbricoide (18.6 %), Cryptosporidium species (14.4%), Fasciola species (19.5%), Entermoeba histolytica (7.6%), Giardia lamblia (3.4%), Strongyloides (31.4%) and Trichuris trichiura (5.0%). The study established that rural water sources are vulnerable to parasitic contamination. Therefore, rural residents relying on unsatisfied water source like creeks and flood prone shallow hand-made wells as primary source of water may be vulnerable to water borne parasitic pathogens. Parasite contamination of bore-hole water may be attributed to failure in adhering to World Health Organisation standard in siting sock-way pit and bore-hole. Public education and awareness campaigns to promote safe water practices is necessary to reduce the risk of contracting water bore parasitic pathogens. Rural residents should prioritize personal cleanliness and ensuring strict compliance to sanitation policies as a way to stay safe.