Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Well and Spring Water in the Fokontany of Ambatoharanana, Haute Matsiatra Region

Abstract

Introduction: Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health challenge in rural areas of Madagascar, where groundwater sources are widely used despite limited information on their quality. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of well and spring water consumed by the population of Ambatoharanana. Methods: Two well water samples and two spring water samples were collected in polyethylene bottles and transported to the laboratory in a cooler maintained at 6°C. The samples were analyzed at the DREAH Haute Matsiatra laboratory. Parameters such as pH and temperature were measured in situ, while electrical conductivity, turbidity, manganese, iron, ammonium, aluminum, nitrite, nitrate, fluoride, and fecal coliforms were analyzed under laboratory conditions. Results: The results reveal that both well and spring waters are environmentally polluted. The water is acidic (pH ranging from 4.59 to 6.15), likely due to the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. High levels of ammonium (0.93 mg/L for well 01; 0.57 mg/L for spring 01), aluminum (0.68 mg/L for well 02; 0.34 mg/L for spring 01), nitrite (0.105 mg/L for well 01), and nitrate (69.34 mg/L for well 02) indicate chemical pollution. Furthermore, the presence of fecal coliforms (ranging from 10 to 85 CFU/100 ml) confirms fecal contamination. Conclusion: The quality of well and spring water is degraded by human activities, such as the use of chemical fertilizers and wastewater discharge near water points. Immediate measures, including chlorination, filtration, boiling, and public awareness campaigns on hygiene and contamination risks, are necessary to improve water safety.