Chemical and microbial evaluation of water samples obtained from itinerant water vendors in Idi – Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate the potability of vendor waters mostly used by the urban dwellers in Idi-Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria. Sixteen water samples were analyzed, eleven from water vendors and four from source (Pumped Wells). One water sample from Nigerian bottling company was used as a control standard. Chemical analysis of the various water samples showed that they contained little and insignificant amount of toxic metals such as cadmium, nickel, lead and silver. Microbiological studies showed that vendor water was more contaminated than the source water and the contamination involved indicator and pathogenic organisms. All the organisms found in source water and more were found in vendor water. Susceptibility studies showed that of all the antibiotics used, the quinolones (Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin) and also aminoglycoside (Gentamycin) were the most effective antibiotics against the isolated microorganisms while Cloxacillin was the least active. The results of this investigation therefore suggests that the use of vendor and source waters in Idi-Araba appear unsafe for human consumption and domestic use. There is therefore the need for government and relevant authorities/organizations to provide potable water, stage awareness campaign and mass education on hygienic principles amongst the inhabitants of Surulere and the water vendors in particular.