A survey of drinking water quality in the Milot region of Haiti

BACKGROUND The recent cholera outbreak in Haiti underscores the urgency of providing access to clean drinking water. Clean drinking water and sanitation are still the core elements of any effort to decrease overall morbidity and mortality.

METHODS & MATERIALS We surveyed 57 different water sources in Milot, Haiti. Variables studied were: location, source type, turbidity, ambient temperature, barometric pressure, WHO contamination risk score, and presence/absence of total coliform and E. coli. Data were collected between June and July 2011. The location of each site was mapped using GPS furnished coordinates. Total coliform and E. coli were detected using IDEXX Coliert test kits.

RESULTS Eight of the locations surveyed were dry, leaving 49 potable water sources tested. 43 (87.8%) tested positive, with 31(63.3%) positive for both E. coli and coliform, and 12 (24.5%) positive for coliform alone. 6(12.2%) were negative for both. The most common sources surveyed were wells with hand pumps (N=19). Wells with hand pumps had the lowest proportion of coliform and E. coli positive water samples (17.7%), while all water samples from hand-dug wells (N=16) were positive for both coliform and E. coli. There was no association between WHO risk scores and sample contamination results (p>.25).

CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a large proportion of the population in Milot rely on contaminated water sources. Some of these sources could be decontaminated relatively easily, while others need to be abandoned, relocated, or rebuilt. In the interim, "bridging strategies" (e.g. filtration, chlorination, and solar disinfection) will need to be used.