Abstract

Water is indispensable for life, yet contaminated water remains a major global health concern. This study assessed the microbiological quality of surface water used for domestic purposes in Amaokwe Item community by determining bacterial and fungal counts, coliform MPN analysis, and microbial identification. Results revealed high microbial loads, with bacterial counts ranging from 1.0 × 10³ to 3.6 × 10³ CFU/mL, all exceeding WHO and USEPA standards. Coliform densities increased from < 2–9 MPN/100 mL upstream to 33–34 MPN/100 mL, indicating faecal contamination. Water samples contained diverse bacteria including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Bacillus, Micrococcus, and Serratia species. The detection of pathogenic and opportunistic organisms highlights contamination from environmental sources, hygiene, and handling practices. The findings confirm that the sampled water sources are microbiologically unsafe for domestic use without proper treatment and improved storage conditions.