Assessment of Water Quality at Maasai Mara University and Surrounding Areas

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health concern, particularly in rapidly growing institutional and peri-urban environments. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water sources within Maasai Mara University and its surrounding areas in Narok County, Kenya. The objective was to determine water quality status, evaluate compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) guidelines, and identify potential contamination risks. A cross-sectional analytical study design was employed. Water samples were collected from selected groundwater and surface water sources, including boreholes, taps, bottled water, and river water. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures, while microbiological quality was assessed using MacConkey agar, Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, Gram staining, and IMViC biochemical tests. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results indicated generally acceptable physicochemical water quality, with mean temperature (21.57 ± 0.18°C), conductivity (108.03 ± 1.40 µS/cm), and dissolved oxygen (9.61 ± 0.47 mg/L) falling within WHO permissible limits. However, pH values varied from slightly acidic to neutral (5.72–7.25), with some sources falling below recommended standards. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of coliform bacteria in multiple sources, with Escherichia coli confirmed in river water, indicating fecal contamination. Bottled water also showed unexpected microbial contamination. ANOVA results showed significant variation in pH and temperature among sampling sites (p < 0.05), while conductivity and dissolved oxygen showed no significant differences. The study concludes that although physicochemical water quality is largely acceptable, microbiological contamination poses a significant public health risk, particularly in surface water and selected treated sources. These findings highlight the need for continuous water quality monitoring, improved sanitation practices, and strengthened regulatory enforcement to ensure safe drinking water within the study area.