The evaluation of the quality of sanitation and stored water for domestic use in the Umlazi P Section informal settlement

Abstract

Background The quantity of water delivered and used for households is an important requirement for life as well as basic personal hygiene. Simple hygiene measures have become paramount due to corona-virus 2019 (Covid-2019). South Africa still lacks basic infrastructure to supply adequate quantities of water to all. This problem is exacerbated in the growing informal settlements where infrastructure is limited. A growing awareness shows contamination of water can occur during collection and storage. This results in the deterioration of water quality to the extent that the water becomes undrinkable. Contributing factors include the cleanliness of storage containers as well as the environment in which they are stored. The aim of the study This study aimed to investigate the quality of stored water and the related handling of storage vessels after collection for domestic use at the informal settlement of the Umlazi P Section, in the south-west of Durban. The study objectives The objectives of the study were to determine the knowledge and awareness of water contamination and how water resources can be protected. To discover the exposure of drinking water to waterborne pathogens due to poor storage and hygiene practices using a questionnaire. To test stored water samples for pathogenic organisms using acceptable laboratory methods and compare the findings for compliance with the South African Water Quality Guidelines for domestic use (SANS 241: 2015). To test the pH levels and macroscopic appearance of stored water in order to assess the extent of natural organic and corrosive substances dissolved in domestic water. Study Design This was a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study aimed at analysing data of exposure of Umlazi P section residents to contaminated water resources. Data collection entailed the administration of a questionnaire to 269 participants, including the laboratory analysis of water samples collected from water storage containers used in each household. Data collection tools The questionnaire was used to obtain information on behavioural characteristics of the participants concerning their knowledge, awareness of practices related to water contamination, storage and waste management. The laboratory analysis of stored water samples included testing for the presence of pathogenic organisms, testing of pH and an analysis of the macroscopic appearance of the water. Laboratory findings were compared in compliance with the South African Water Quality Guidelines for domestic use. Results Majority of the participants (98.5%) indicated they use municipal water services for their daily needs. It was found that most residents (88.1%) did not have any prior education on water storage and (76.6%) indicated a lack of understanding of water contamination. There was a lack of proper hand hygiene and handling of stored water among 48 households (18%). Almost all respondents indicated that they stored their domestic water in buckets which were kept closed when not in use, and (83.3%) indicated that they cleaned the storage containers by washing it in cold water only. It was found that half of the participants are unemployed and 32% of them use pit latrines as toilets. Most of the respondents found the taste of the water palatable. A positive total coliform count was found among 13 (5%) households in the study, rendering their drinking water a high risk for domestic use, 9/13 of these households used pit latrines. The high-risk coliform count, despite it only accounting for 5% of the population is of great concern. Testing results also showed a zero count for Escherichia coli (E.coli) making drinking water acceptable in terms of faecal coliform bacteria. Discussion and Conclusion Results indicate a clear need to develop educational programmes that will enhance knowledge of water contamination to improve water quality. These educational programmes need to focus on hygiene practices to minimise water contamination. Infrastructure development remains a key recommendation as it plays an important role in the removal of human faecal waste in the distribution of water to communal taps. The infrastructure development must entail the provision of more taps to avoid overcrowding and provision of flushable toilets as an effective waste removal method. While the Municipality has played a role in the removal of solid waste, more needs to be done to accommodate all residents in informal settlements to prevent illegal dumping which increases environmental pollution. Considering the variability of water storage periods (between a week to a month) due to the distance between settlements and collection points, the provision of low-cost quality storage containers and treatment chemicals by the Municipality is recommended. The Department of Housing, Water and Sanitation, Health, Education and other Non-Governmental organisations need strengthening of inter-sectoral collaboration to improve the quality of life in informal settlements. The National Water Act of 2003 outlines the role of local government concerning water resources of equitable allocation of water to all citizens and redistribution as well as removal of discriminatory laws that prevent equal access to water (Republic of South Africa – Government act 61 of 2003).