Physicochemical and microbiological quality of improved well water in Nkol-Afamba subdivision (Centre Region, Cameroon)

Introduction: In peri-urban areas of Cameroon, the use of improved wells remains frequent due to insufficient continuous access to the public drinking water network. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of improved well water in Nkol-Afamba Subdivision (Centre Region, Cameroon).
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to June 2024 in the Lada I area. Thirty-two accessible improved wells were exhaustively included. Physicochemical parameters were measured using pH-metry and spectrophotometry. Microbiological analyses were performed using membrane filtration and inoculation on selective media. Factors associated with microbiological non-compliance were identified using binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The pH ranged from 6.5 to 8.5 and conductivity from 16 to 172 µS/cm. Nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals were not detected. All physicochemical parameters complied with national standards. However, 90.6% of samples were microbiologically non-compliant. Total and fecal coliforms were detected in 31 of the 32 wells. Escherichia coli was present in 15.6% of wells. A latrine–well distance < 15 m was significantly associated with contamination (OR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1–16.8; p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Despite satisfactory physicochemical quality, the high microbiological contamination exposes the population to significant health risks. Strengthening sanitation measures and regular monitoring is recommended.