Drinking Water Quality in Schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission within the Public Health Center 7 Responsibility

Abstract

Illness caused by the consumption of water contaminated by microbials and toxic chemicals is one of the major public health problems affecting people of all ages, especially school-age children who are growing up to be the quality human resources of the country. This study aimed to assess the nature drinking water management within schools and to investigate the biological quality of school drinking water. It was conducted in 340 schools under Office of the Basic Education Commission. The research procedures were as follows: the survey of drinking water management within schools and the quality of drinking water were performed by collecting the water samples to identify independent chorine and bacteria contamination. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic: frequency and percentage. It was found that the most common consuming water was from the rain collected in 20 litters containers, 39.7%. In most schools, drinking water was provided through stainless water coolers, 33.8%. Students mostly shared glass for drinking water, 62.7%. In addition, the water from 20 litters water containers was used for cooking, 50.0%. Village pipe water system was use the most for brushing teeth, 45.9%. There was no water quality control within the school during the past 1 year, 84.4%. Only 16.5% of responsible persons for the schools water quality control were trained. Coliform bacteria were found in many 20-litter water containers, 36.8%. There was no independent chorine in water in the village pipe water system, 91.8%. After survey, the meeting was held to present the results to the relevant units or organizations such as the provincial health office, the district health office, the district hospital and the Basic Education Commission, followed by the preparation of report to school administrators and responsible persons in each school to seek for solutions and suggestions.