Assessment of changes in drinking water quality during distribution: A case study of Area 25 Township in Lilongwe, Malawi

Abstract

The quality of drinking water at the point of delivery to the consumer is crucial in safeguarding people’s health. This study assesses changes in drinking water quality during distribution at Area 25 Township in Lilongwe, Malawi. Water samples were collected from the exit point of the treatment plant, storage tank and taps at consumers’ households. All samples were tested using standard procedures for pH, turbidity, feacal coliforms, manganese, lead, zinc and residual chlorine. One-way ANOVA showed some significant water quality changes during distribution but the average values fell within World Health Organisation (WHO) and Malawi Bureau of standards (MBS) allowable levels for pH, turbidity, feacal coliforms, manganese, lead, zinc and residual chlorine (p < 0.05). Tap water at Area 25 Township is generally safe for human consumption.

Key words: Drinking water, distribution system, biochemical parameters, human health.