Qualitative Human Health Analysis of Escherichia Coli, Fecal Coliforms, and Pseudemonas in Drinking Water of Himba and Zemba Villages in Epupa Falls, Namibia

Abstract

This project focused on drinking water quality with respect to human health at seven Himba and two Zemba villages in the Epupa Falls region of Namibia. Water quality tests were performed in eight locations using Watersafe bacteria test strips, which determined the presence or absence of bacteria that included Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms, and/or Pseudomonas. A survey with eight questions was administered to each village that focused on drinking water quality, sanitation, hygiene, and human health. The presence of E. Coli, fecal coliforms, and/or Pseudomonas occurred in 50% of the locations, the absence of these bacteria occurred in 25% of the locations, and an inconclusive test was in 12.5% of the locations. Diarrhea frequency ranged from multiple times a day to never having diarrhea, depending on the individual, and seven out of the nine villages (77.7%) stated that diarrhea can kill them. All of the villages noted that they do not have toilet facilities, and that individuals go behind a bush or tree near the village. Based on these findings, hygiene education, safe storage containers for water, and water treatment, such as chlorination, are needed to improve human health adversities.