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Household drinking water in developing countries: a systematic review of microbiological contamination between source and point‐of‐use
Author(s) -
Wright Jim,
Gundry Stephen,
Conroy Ronan
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2003.01160.x
Subject(s) - contamination , water quality , water source , environmental science , environmental health , fecal coliform , water contamination , coliform bacteria , toxicology , water resource management , medicine , biology , ecology , bacteria , genetics
Summary Objective To assess the extent and causes of microbiological contamination of household drinking water between source and point‐of‐use in developing countries. Methods A systematic meta‐analysis of 57 studies measuring bacteria counts for source water and stored water in the home to assess how contamination varied between settings. Results The bacteriological quality of drinking water significantly declines after collection in many settings. The extent of contamination after water collection varies considerably between settings, but is proportionately greater where faecal and total coliform counts in source water are low. Conclusions Policies that aim to improve water quality through source improvements may be compromised by post‐collection contamination. Safer household water storage and treatment is recommended to prevent this, together with point‐of‐use water quality monitoring.