ABSTRACT

Water is a remarkable compound and life is totally dependent in the presence of water in its liquid state (Adams and Moss 1999). Water is one of the most abundant and widely distributed substance in nature, water is vital for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, industry and many other purposes. The necessity for an adequate supply of wholesome and safe water cannot he neglected. Man must have an abundant supply of water free from pathogenic micro-organisms and deleterious substance in order to protect his health and ensure his well being (Mekinney 1962) Water is declared potable when it is free from contaminants (Biological or Chemical) and aesthetically appealing (WHO 1998). Water is the universal liquid of life and is the niost abundant compound in all living organisms and because water is found everywhere it contains some materials known as contaminates. These contaminants cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea and other deadly diseased. There is therefore need to ensure that these contaminants are not permitted in water. Ensuring microbiologically safe water supplies requires an approach which eliminates pathogenic micro-organisms. The menace caused by water borne pathogens in recent times has given much concern to public health workers, especially considering the huge losses both in human and material resources emanating from the exploits (World Bank l 993)