Evaluation of the Quality of Undeveloped Spring Waters Consumed Directly by the Local Population of Kasaï (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Objective: Contribute to the assessment of the quality of undeveloped spring water consumed by the local population of the province of Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Design of the Study: This study consists of four parts, an introduction with literature review, a description of the study environment and sampling site, the materials and methods used and finally the presentation and discussion of the results obtained.

Location and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted in the province of Kasai, in the villages of Kamupafu, Kabilowa, Kayonga, Kankondo, Kankala, Lunyanya and Kumbikumbi in the town of Tshikapa. The study covered the period from September 29 to October 24, 2022.

Methodology: The water samples taken (27) were carried out in the laboratory according to standard procedures and a series of physico-chemical and microbiological characterization analyzes were also carried out in the field and in the laboratory.

Results: Among other results obtained, it appears that the average pH was between 4.6±0.15 and 6.96±0.43; the EC between 12.91±0.51 µS.cm-1 at the Dido/Milonga spring and 26.87±3.00 µS.cm-1 at the Tshitenga spring. The turbidity, the soluble ion (NO3-, F-) and arsenic (As) contents in the water reveal that with the exception of the turbidity in the Kamitutungulu spring (10 ± 1.04 NTU), the concentration of the other elements in the water from all the springs studied complies with WHO recommendations for drinking water quality. In addition, the average values (CFU 100 mL-1) of total coliforms vary between 18 (KAMANKONDE/ROBERT) and 81 (KATOKA 3) for waters of all the springs.

Conclusion: All spring waters analyzed showed microbiological contamination by bacteria indicating faecal pollution (coliforms). It’s therefore suggested that support be provided in terms of drinking water supply and hygiene by setting up village water supply structures.