Abstract

Physicochemical and bacteriological analyses of water samples were carried out from five wash borehole used for drinking purpose in Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria. The bacteriological analysis was carried out using multiple tube (most probable number) technique for enumeration of both total coliform count and differential Escherichia colicount. The results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) standard for drinking water. None of the samples complied with the bacteriological standard as the total coliform count ranges between 6 x 10³ and 145 x 10³ MPN/ml. Also, with the exception of samples from Hausari and Bulabulin-ngarannam, the other samples did not comply with the pH standard recommended by WHO, NAFDAC and NSDWQ. Total dissolved solid of the water samples from Hausari also exceeded the standard requirements. Although no E. coli was detected in the entire samples, there is need to create awareness about the present situation of the wash boreholes and the necessity for further treatment by consumers, before it can be used for both drinking and domestic purposes.

Key word: World Health Organization (WHO), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ), water, wash boreholes.