[01] Emmanuel Kwang, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Ghana. [02] Elvis Junior Dun-Dery, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. [03] Luke Ojo, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Ghana. [04] Eric Amponsah, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Ghana. [05] Kwame Yeboah, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Ghana. [06] Peprah Naomi Owusu, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Ghana. [07] Henry Ofosu Addo, Department of Environmental Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

The goal of ensuring water quality is to improve the livelihood and health of citizens in different regions by improving access to potable water, safe sanitation and hygiene. Ensuring drinking-water quality, concerns assessing microbial priorities, and chemical priorities. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey and employed only quantitative data collection methods in selecting 150 participants. The study was done in the East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study was done from April to October 2016 and study-specific structured questionnaires were used in the data collection over a period of three weeks. Water quality within the Municipality was almost universal, as 92% confirmed their water was of good quality. Notwithstanding, 73% paid for water at all times and 77% experienced water shortage. More than half of the respondents (53%) confirmed treating their water before drinking. The main sources of water for drinking (p<0.018), sources of water used for other purposes (p<0.002), and frequency of water shortage (p<0.001) were variables associated with quality of water. Further analysis indicates that neither borehole (AOR 1.875, 95%CI: 0.407 - 8.633) nor sachet water (AOR 0.420, 95%CI:.175-1.008) determined the quality of water. Among this group of households interviewed, less than half of the respondents were associated with the use of quality water. Stakeholder advocacy on the proper treatment and use of quality water among community members will help improve living standards and ensure community water quality continuously meets WHO and national quality standards in Ghana.

Water Quality, East Akim, Microbial, Households, Perception, Appraisal, Drinking Water

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