University Publications

A total of 53 treated water samples were collected from the treatment plant and distribution system in Khartoum Locality, to assess the microbial quality by investigating the total coliform count, the prevalence of Escherichia coli, and to detect the association between E. coli prevalence and the residual chlorine, during the period from September 2014 to October 2015. The total coliform count indicated a very high percentage of 81.1% distributed as (11.6 %), (23.3%) and (65.1%) in the treatment plant, storage pipes, and consumers’ taps respectively. The overall prevalence of E. coli was (52.8%). Distribution of E. coli in the treatment plant, storage pipes, and consumers’ taps showed 10.7%, 21.4% and 67.9% respectively. Moreover, the highest occurrence of E. coli was detected during the rainy season (50%). The consumers’ taps water showed the highest contamination with E. coli (67.9%). Association of the occurrence of E. coli with residual chlorine was highly significant (P< 0.001). This work indicated that the bacteriological quality of drinking water in Khartoum Locality needs more consideration.