Study of quality of drinking water : In rural areas of Souss Massa region

Abstract: The scarcity of water affects many developing nations. Today, Morocco,characterized by an arid and semi-arid climate, is approaching absolute scarcityof freshwater availability of 730 m3/capita/year. The effect of the scarcity ofwater is highly evident in rural localities, which are driven to rely on wellwater and rainwater harvesting. Potability of alternative water sources isuncertain as it is not monitored by municipal treatment plants.The objective of this investigation was to study the quality and quantity ofdrinking water in rural areas of Souss Massa region. Water samples collectedfrom seven study sites were sent to private laboratories for microbiologicaland physicochemical analysis.The results of the tests revealed that the drinking water in Agadir Ouguejgal,Ben Anfar and Ait Said was unsafe for human consumption due to fecalcontamination. Concerning physicochemical examination, nitrate levels inTouamal as well as iron levels in Agadir Ouguejgal exceeded the maximumallowable concentration provided by the WHO and the Moroccan regulations.This constitutes serious health risk to its population. To prevent diseaseoutbreaks and long-term illness in these areas, anomalies to MoroccanStandards, should be addressed.The scarcity of water is highly evident in Agadir Ouguejgal, where waterconsumption is approximately 8 l/capita/day. With this amount of waterconsumption, proper sanitation cannot be assured.Statistically, a strong correlation was found between E. coli and totalcoliform. Trend analysis demonstrated a downward trend on water balance inthe Souss Massa region.To mitigate water quality issues in the Souss Massa region, a morecomprehensive investigation is mandatory which focuses on the exact sourceof the pollution and measures that is applicable to rural villages.