Microbiological, physico-chemical and management para¬meters impinging on the efficiency of small water treatment plants in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa

Abstract

In the wake of the growing dependence on small water treatment plants (SWTPs) in providing quality water to rural areas and the global burden of water borne diseases, this study sought to examine the efficiency of 55 SWTPs located in rural or peri-urban areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces in order to gauge the safety of water supply for human consumption. The microbiological and physical parameters of raw water, treated water and water in the distribution systems were examined using standard methods. Management issues impacting on quality of water supply were determined by use of questionnaires and focus group discussions. Results obtained showed that the pH, turbidity, temperature and conductivity of the raw water in SWTPs studied in both provinces ranged between 6.46 to 9.05 pH units, 0.19 to 8.0 NTU, 15.4 oC to 31.40oC and 44.40.4 μS to 108 μS respectively.

Authors

Categories