ASSESSMENT OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. A CASE STUDY OF KABARNET WATER SUPPLY, BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Provision of good quality water by water utilities in Kenya is hampered by inefficient water supply in-frastructure. Water quality deteriorates in the dis-tribution system despite undergoing effective treatment. This study aimed at analysing the water quality of Kabarnet Water Supply in order to de-tect any changes in the distribution system. Water samples were obtained from the treatment plant, distribution reservoirs, and the consumer zones. The results indicated the treated water met the ac-ceptable levels implying that the treatment plant is effective. Some of the parameters were above ac-ceptable limits. The distribution system contributed to significant variation in the water quality parame-ters. Among the parameters that increased signifi-cantly in the distribution system are lead, copper and nitrates. The causes of water deterioration in the distribution system include corrosion of the iron pipes, illegal connections, leakages and bursts, water stagnation at dead-ends, over-sized storage reservoirs, and low flow rates. The remedies in-clude replacing iron pipes with High density plastic pipes i.e. HDPE, PPR plastic pipes and redesigning the distribution system to improve on pressure and detention times in the system