Evaluation of the Variability of Drinking Water Quality within Bamenda Metropolis, North West Region, Cameroon

Aims: The quality of drinking water within Bamenda metropolis was evaluated for it variability and suitability.

Place and Duration of Study: Twenty-two (22) samples were collected (11 in the dry season and 11 in the wet season) from 4 main drinking water network in Bamenda (public, community, non-distributed and private network).

Methodology: The samples were tested for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Norme Française (NF) were the methods used to determine the organoleptic, natural structure, undesirable, toxic and bacteriological parameters of the different samples. Water Quality Index (WQI), Na/Cl ratio and hydrochemical facies were deduced from the physiochemical parameters.

Results: The findings indicate that water quality in Bamenda varies with seasons, location and sources. The pH of the study area was acidic with a higher dry season mean percentage of 52.6% against 47.4% for wet season. Turbidity showed amean percentage of 75: 25% for wet and dry season respectively. Wet season cations, showed abundance Ca2+ and Mg2+ while dry season showed Ca2+ and Na+. Bicarbonate and Chloride were the most abundant anions in both seasons but varied with seasonal concentrations. Bacteriological analysis identified faecal coliform in 3 dry season samples. Hydrochemical facies showed dominant of magnesium and bicarbonate for wet season samples while Sodium and Chlorine were dominant for dry season samples. Water Quality Index (WQI) ranged from 72 to 94 for the wet season and 84 to 100 for dry season.

Conclusion: Though the results for WQI were within the acceptable standard for drinking water, pH for 21 samples and turbidity of 6 samples were not within the Cameroon nor World Health Organisation (WHO) Standard for drinking water. It is important that drinking water be tested seasonally to ascertain the quality being consumed.