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To What Extent is Drinking Water Tested in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Comparative Analysis of Regulated Water Quality Monitoring

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel Peletz

    (The Aquaya Institute, Nairobi 00505, Kenya)

  • Emily Kumpel

    (The Aquaya Institute, Nairobi 00505, Kenya)

  • Mateyo Bonham

    (The Aquaya Institute, Nairobi 00505, Kenya)

  • Zarah Rahman

    (The Aquaya Institute, Larkspur, CA 94939, USA
    Current address: Berkeley School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA)

  • Ranjiv Khush

    (The Aquaya Institute, Larkspur, CA 94939, USA)

Abstract

Water quality information is important for guiding water safety management and preventing water-related diseases. To assess the current status of regulated water quality monitoring in sub-Saharan Africa, we evaluated testing programs for fecal contamination in 72 institutions (water suppliers and public health agencies) across 10 countries. Data were collected through written surveys, in-person interviews, and analysis of microbial water quality testing levels. Though most institutions did not achieve the testing levels specified by applicable standards or World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines, 85% of institutions had conducted some microbial water testing in the previous year. Institutions were more likely to meet testing targets if they were suppliers (as compared to surveillance agencies), served larger populations, operated in urban settings, and had higher water quality budgets (all p < 0.05). Our results indicate that smaller water providers and rural public health offices will require greater attention and additional resources to achieve regulatory compliance for water quality monitoring in sub-Saharan Africa. The cost-effectiveness of water quality monitoring should be improved by the application of risk-based water management approaches. Efforts to strengthen monitoring capacity should pay greater attention to program sustainability and institutional commitment to water safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Peletz & Emily Kumpel & Mateyo Bonham & Zarah Rahman & Ranjiv Khush, 2016. "To What Extent is Drinking Water Tested in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Comparative Analysis of Regulated Water Quality Monitoring," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:3:p:275-:d:64934
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fewster, R. M., 2009. "A Simple Explanation of Benford's Law," The American Statistician, American Statistical Association, vol. 63(1), pages 26-32.
    2. Andreas Diekmann, 2007. "Not the First Digit! Using Benford's Law to Detect Fraudulent Scientif ic Data," Journal of Applied Statistics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(3), pages 321-329.
    3. Jonny Crocker & Jamie Bartram, 2014. "Comparison and Cost Analysis of Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Requirements versus Practice in Seven Developing Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-14, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Aaron Gichaba Misati & George Ogendi & Rachel Peletz & Ranjiv Khush & Emily Kumpel, 2017. "Can Sanitary Surveys Replace Water Quality Testing? Evidence from Kisii, Kenya," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-12, February.
    2. D. Daniel & Josphine Gaicugi & Richard King & Sara J. Marks & Giuliana Ferrero, 2020. "Combining Sanitary Inspection and Water Quality Data in Western Uganda: Lessons Learned from a Field Trial of Original and Revised Sanitary Inspection Forms," Resources, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Emily Kumpel & Caroline Delaire & Rachel Peletz & Joyce Kisiangani & Angella Rinehold & Jennifer De France & David Sutherland & Ranjiv Khush, 2018. "Measuring the Impacts of Water Safety Plans in the Asia-Pacific Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Christopher Kanyesigye & Sara J. Marks & Juliet Nakanjako & Frank Kansiime & Giuliana Ferrero, 2019. "Status of Water Safety Plan Development and Implementation in Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-17, October.

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