Effects of Household Drinking Water Storage Containers and User Practices on Water Safety in Rushinga District

Abstract

Diseases related to contamination of drinking water constitute a major burden on human health and are a major cause for concern in public health. The challenge is even more pronounced in developing countries where safe water sources are limited. Drinking water can be contaminated at various stages along the water handling chain thereby presenting a public health risk to consumers. In communities where drinking water is not connected to the home, the common practice is storing drinking water in containers so that it is conveniently accessed for drinking. However, poor household drinking water handling and storage practices can reduce the gains in water quality at point of use and increase risks of water-borne illnesses. Common water storage container attributes like design, container covers, and cleaning frequency impact contamination levels. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of various aspects of household drinking water storage practices, including container design, material, and cleaning frequency, on levels of E. coli and total coliform count. The study’s aim was to determine the effect of type of material, design and characteristics of different household drinking water storage containers, and water user practices on microbial water quality in rural communities of Rushinga district. A cross-sectional study was conducted surveying 217 households across 3 wards in Rushinga district, Zimbabwe. Multi-stage cluster sampling was done. Boreholes from which households that were surveyed drew water from were purposively sampled on condition of their water quality (not contaminated as per the WHO guidelines) whilst the wards and households were conveniently sampled. Data on storage container characteristics was collected through interview schedules. Stored drinking water in containers were sampled and analyzed for E. coli and total coliform counts. Strengths and associations between variables were measured through univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall, 91.0% of the participants in Rushinga district used plastic-made household water storage containers. Covering of storage containers was significantly associated with drinking water contamination (OR = 15.2; 95% CI 6.16 - 37.7; p < .001) for participants in Rushinga district. The design of storage container mouth was as well associated with household drinking water contamination (OR = 8.6; 95% CI 1.70, 48.18; p = .009). Generally, wide mouth and uncovered containers had higher total coliforms and E, coli levels. Therefore, promotion of hygienic practices such as using narrow-mouthed, covered containers, regular cleaning and use of appropriate cleaning materials can significantly reduce water-borne microbial exposure through simple, affordable behavioral interventions. However, further research with larger sample sizes is required to establish the strength and the significance of the relationship between storage container characteristics and microbial contamination.