Microbiological Assessment of Well Water Obtained in Burutu Town, Delta State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the microbial quality of ground water sources (well water) in Burutu town. Five randomly selected wells from five(5) areas of the town were selected and water samples obtained. The samples were subjected to standard methods of analysis. The results showed that the total coliform present in the water samples ranged from 2204 cfu/100ml to 2477 cf/100ml. These values are far above the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 0cfu/100ml (absence of coliform) for safe potable water. These values may be as a result of poor groundwater source (well) construction, poor handling and lack of maintenance. Individuals who utilize water from these wells for consumption and domestics purposes are at risk of contacting water borne diseases if not properly treated before use.