Examination of water treatment efficacy of lower Ruvu water quality, at Bagamoyo district, Coast region, Tanzania
Author(s): Irene Aurelia Tarimo and Adam O Karia
Abstract: Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental public health requirement, and effective water treatment plays a critical role in safeguarding communities from waterborne diseases. In Tanzania, ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water is primarily overseen by the Water Quality Division of the Ministry of Water, although daily water quality management is decentralized to regional and local water authorities. This study assessed the efficacy of the Lower Ruvu Water Treatment Plant (LRWTP) in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, Tanzania, which supplies treated water to households across the Coast and Dar es Salaam regions. The investigation involved the collection of ten grab samples—two from the treatment plant and eight from various distribution points—during the dry season (August-September 2024). These samples were analyzed at the Central Water Quality Laboratory.
Findings revealed that eight distribution sites (John residence, Mapinga, Boko, Kerege resort, Zinga sokoni, Kiromo Bunju, Ukuni petrol station, and Bunju “B”) recorded substandard residual chlorine levels, with a mean concentration of 0.09 mg/L, below the recommended range of 0.2-0.5 mg/L per WHO (2021) and Tanzanian standards (TZS 789: 2018). Conversely, the treatment plant at Sanzare met acceptable residual chlorine standards (1.0-2.0 mg/L). Microbiological analysis further detected the presence of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli at the eight distribution sites, whereas both the treatment plant and the adjacent Sanzare outlet were free of contamination.
These results highlight the degradation of water quality along the distribution network. To address this, the study recommends frequent chlorination at booster stations, strategic relocation of the LRWTP booster station closer to the treatment plant (currently situated far away at Ardhi University), and routine monitoring of residual chlorine levels. Timely repair of damaged distribution lines is also essential to prevent recontamination and maintain the microbiological safety of drinking water.
DOI: 10.22271/27067483.2025.v7.i7a.378Pages: 06-12 | Views: 743 | Downloads: 298Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Irene Aurelia Tarimo, Adam O Karia.
Examination of water treatment efficacy of lower Ruvu water quality, at Bagamoyo district, Coast region, Tanzania. Int J Geogr Geol Environ 2025;7(7):06-12. DOI:
10.22271/27067483.2025.v7.i7a.378
