Assessing the quality of domestic water consumed in Bugiri municipality, Bugiri district, eastern Uganda.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This study assessed the quality of domestic water consumed in Bugiri Municipality, Bugiri District, Eastern Uganda, with particular emphasis on physicochemical parameters and fluoride contamination. Water samples were collected from ten strategic sampling points, comprising six boreholes and four tap water sources, during the dry season to ensure consistency in sampling conditions. The samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, and fluoride ion concentration using standard analytical methods including conductometry, EDTA titrimetry, and fluoride ion-selective electrode potentiometry. The results revealed that most physicochemical parameters were within the World Health Organization (WHO) and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) drinking water quality guidelines. pH values ranged from 6.42 to 7.43 for boreholes and 6.89 to 6.93 for tap water, with the NDIFAKULYA borehole (pH 6.42) falling slightly below the recommended minimum of 6.5. Electrical conductivity ranged from 167.5 to 491.3 μS/cm for boreholes and 423.3 to 423.4 μS/cm for tap water, all well below the WHO guideline of 1000 μS/cm. Total dissolved solids ranged from 84.03 to 246.2 mg/L for boreholes and 211.4 to 211.6 mg/L for tap water, all within acceptable limits. Total hardness values ranged from 12 to 58 mg/L for boreholes and 50 to 60 mg/L for tap water, classifying all samples as soft water (<75 mg/L as CaCO₃). However, the most significant finding was the elevated fluoride concentrations in borehole water, which ranged from 0.61 to 2.22 mg/L. The NDIFAKULYA borehole recorded the highest fluoride concentration (2.22 mg/L), followed by NKUSI B (1.60 mg/L), both exceeding the WHO and UNBS permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. Tap water fluoride concentrations ranged from 1.40 to 1.45 mg/L, remaining within the acceptable guideline. The elevated fluoride levels are attributed to the geological composition of the region, particularly the Precambrian basement rocks containing fluoride-bearing minerals such as fluorite (CaF₂) and apatite. Most physicochemical parameters indicate acceptable water quality, fluoride contamination in specific boreholes poses a significant health risk to consumers, particularly the risk of dental fluorosis in children and skeletal fluorosis with prolonged exposure. The study recommends regular water quality monitoring, community sensitization on fluoride-related health risks, implementation of defluoridation technologies such as bone char filters or activated alumina filters, and exploration of alternative safe water sources for affected communities. These findings provide baseline data for local authorities to implement targeted interventions in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Keywords: Water quality, fluoride contamination, physicochemical parameters, boreholes, Bugiri Municipality, drinking water standards, Fluorosis, conductivity
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Undergraduate research report
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Omaira, R. (2026). Assessing the quality of domestic water consumed in Bugiri municipality, Bugiri district, eastern Uganda. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.