Keywords
water quality
seasonality
microbiological contamination
heavy metals
Mbuji-Mayi
How to Cite
Abstract
Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health challenge in many African countries, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Mbujimayi, the weakness of the public water distribution network, reliance on alternative water sources, and deficiencies in sanitation infrastructure expose the population to significant health risks. This study was conducted to determine the physicochemical and microbiological quality of drinking water from different sources across seasons and to estimate the associated health risks in comparison with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study carried out on 62 water samples collected from 31 sites representing seven types of water supply sources. Analyses were performed using standardized methods and validated operational procedures. Health risks were assessed using a WHO risk matrix and a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) approach. The results show marked seasonal variability. The dry season was characterized by increased mineralization and exceedances of certain chemical guideline values, whereas the rainy season was marked by high microbiological contamination. The convergence of physicochemical analyses, microbiological findings, and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) indicates that more than 70% of the investigated sources present a moderate to critical infectious risk level, incompatible with direct consumption without prior treatment. Overall, the quality of drinking water in Mbujimayi does not comply with WHO standards, thereby justifying the urgent implementation of integrated risk management strategies.
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