Assessment of drinking water supply and sanitation

Potable water supply and sanitation services are basic requirements for a society. Limited access associated with poor water supply, sanitation and hygiene make the community to depend on unsafe and poor water consumption and these calling for the expansion and improvement of basic water supply and sanitation services. This study was conducted in Damot Sore Woreda, Southern Ethiopia to examine coverage and quality of potable water supply and sanitation. The dry and wet season measurement showed a variation in physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. Lack of improved pit latrine, poor hand washing practice, improper handling and disposal of wastes and lack of clean storage facilities are identified as the major factors responsible for poor sanitation situation, which contributes to the deterioration of drinking water quality in the Woreda. According to the research, Woreda water supply service could not meet domestic water consumption with existing capacity and gets lower. The water sources in the area are bacteriologically contaminated and therefore not suitable for domestic purposes unless treated.