Assessing Hygiene Practices and Microbial Risks in Groundwater Sources: A Case Study of Kumbotso, Nigeria

This study investigated the link between hygiene practices and groundwater quality in Kumbotso, Nigeria, where groundwater serves as a primary drinking water source. To assess the quality of groundwater, estimate contamination from sanitation, and determine socio-demographic determinants of health risk, informing targeted interventions. Conducted in August 2023, during the rainy season, 2 water samples obtained from Dug Wells (DW), Hand Pump Boreholes (HB), and Mechanized Boreholes (MB) in Kumbotso were analyzed. Physicochemical parameters (turbidity, conductivity, pH, temperature) and E. coli counts were ascertained by standard methods, and volumes were approximated using the manual string method. Socio-demographic data were obtained by questionnaires, while statistical tests (Chi-square, logistic regression) validated health correlations. Turbidity was 8.2-1914.0 NTU and E. coli 0-1305 cfu/100 mL, with DW most contaminated (median >100 cfu/100 mL). Volumes were variable (0.002-7.127 m³), with a turbidity-E. coli correlation (r = 0.38). Females (65.4%) and youth 12-17 years (50.0%) were most affected, with DW users self-reporting 50% illness (χ² = 41.73, p = 8.66E-10), though E. coli’s illness link was non-significant (odds ratio = 1.47, p = 0.29). The study concludes that improving groundwater safety in Kumbotso requires both infrastructure development and behavioral change. Targeted WASH interventions, source protection, and public education are essential for mitigating health risks and achieving sustainable access to safe drinking water.