Evalution of the Quality of Drinking Water Sources and Obstacles to Potable Drinking Water in West Point and Suburban Monrovia, Liberia

The assessment of drinking-water quality in West Point and areas of suburban Monrovia in January 2011 determined that a public health hazard existed for persons drinking and cooking with contaminated water. The well-water sample results for nitrates, nitrites, total coliforms and E. coli suggested that most West Point drinking-water wells were adversely affected by human and animal waste contamination. The consumption of contaminated well water is of particular public health concern for infants who consume formula made from this water. 

During sampling, well characteristics and environmental conditions, including whether a well was “open” or “covered”, the depth of the well (less or greater than 9 meters deep), the soil type (sandy or mixed soils), the population density, whether latrines were used in the area, and the distance to nearby waste sources, were observed and recorded. Several of these environmental characteristics were statistically significantly associated with elevated levels of nitrates, nitrites, total coliforms and E. coli in drinking-water wells.
 
Infrastructure and cultural analysis suggests that the most reasonable strategy for risk management of current public health hazards and for improved potable water and sanitation in West Point is through a policy of incrementally implemented interventions. Residents of West Point have few resources and little political power, so the community can benefit from participating in an advocacy coalition with active non-government organizations and government agencies that not only plans for the provision of sustainable interventions, but looks for windows of opportunity to increase the awareness and the involvement of the Liberian government and the international community.