Microbiological Quality Assessment of Drinking Water in Lalo Commune, Benin (West Africa)

Although drinking water is readily available in Benin, its qualitypresents a public health concern. The district of Ahomadegbe in the commune ofLalo is characterized by several artesian wells. Unfortunately, anthropogenicfactors negatively affect the drinking water quality in this area. The aim ofthis research was to study the microbiological quality of drinking water in theAhomadegbe district, and to review household water treatment methods employedby the local population. Thirty-five water samples were taken—at water collectionpoints, at selected points along the water transportation system and from waterstorage facilities, and microbiological parameters were measured. Qualitative datawere collected via in-depth interviews with key informants regarding localhousehold water treatment methods. Results reveal that there is a significantdegree of microbiological pollution of drinking water in this district,particularly during the water transportation and storage stages wheremicrobiological pollution exceeds levels approved by the World Health Organization.Local residents are familiar with several household water treatment methods.However, these methods are inconsistently applied, which limits theireffectiveness. In addition to improving the quality of the drinking waterresource itself, it is important to set up interventions relating to watertreatment methods in local households.