Bacteriological Evaluation of Surface and Groundwater used for Domestic Purposes in Ibadan

The right to safe and clean drinking water is a human right, unfortunately many communities rely on unsafe and contaminated water for drinking and domestic purposes. Through improper sewage and hospital waste disposal, pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria have found their way to natural water sources used by humans. In this study we aim to profile pathogenic bacteria and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) from surface and ground water sources in three local government areas of Oyo state. 30 water samples were collected randomly from the selected local government areas. Bacteriological, biochemical and antibiotic-resistant analysis was carried out on the isolated bacteria from the water samples. E. coli (28.30%) and Kleb pneumoniae (23.77%) were the predominant bacteria isolates, while Shigella (16.22%) and Salmonella (16.22%) also had substantial percentages. Nineteen E. coli was isolated and identified, with high antibiotic resistance rates observed in nalidixic Acid (100%), augmentin (100%), ampiclox (94.74%) and third-generation cephalosporins. Conversely, moderate levels of resistance were observed in nitrofurantoin (55.55%), cefepime (57.89%), and second-generation fluoroquinolones. This study reveals substantial pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistant E. coli in water samples which endangers the health of communities’ dependent on these water sources and exposes the inhabitants to antibiotic-resistant organisms from contaminated water used for domestic purposes. It is crucial to put in place water treatment measures and quality monitoring programmes in order to guarantee that the populace has access to clean and safe drinking water.