BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF TAP WATER IN MODIBBO ADAMA UNIVERSITY YOLA.

ABSTRACT Access to safe drinking water remains a fundamental human right and a critical determinant of public health. This study assessed the bacteriological quality of 20 drinking water samples collected from storage tanks used by students at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria, with emphasis on microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance patterns of isolates. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, including total viable counts, coliform determination, biochemical characterization, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Results revealed that 75% (15 out of 20) of the water samples exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits for total bacterial and coliform counts, while 60% were positive for faecal coliforms. Pathogenic organisms identified included Escherichia coli (60% occurrence), Salmonella typhi (35%), Shigella spp. (25%), Enterobacter spp. (30%), Bacillus cereus (40%), and Staphylococcus aureus (50%), indicating both faecal contamination and possible post-treatment handling deficiencies. The presence of E. coli was particularly significant as a marker of faecal pollution. Antibiotic susceptibility profiling showed widespread resistance to β-lactam antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, and rocephin, while fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin) and aminoglycosides (gentamicin, streptomycin) remained largely effective. These findings underscore the dual threat of microbial contamination and emerging antibiotic resistance in water supplies. The study concludes that drinking water in the study area poses a public health risk if consumed without further treatment. It highlights the urgent need for routine bacteriological monitoring, improved water treatment and distribution systems, and public sensitization on safe water handling practices. Addressing microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance in water systems is vital to achieving sustainable development goals on health and sanitation, while safeguarding the wellbeing of vulnerable populations such as students.