Household drinking water quality and its predictors in flood-prone settings of Northwest Ethiopia: a cross- sectional community-based study

Background: In many nations, the deterioration of drinking water quality is a major problem that may be caused by a variety of interrelated biological, physical, and chemical causes. Human feces, animal waste, and effluent farming activities are the main pollutants of water supplies. Even if the source is clean, the process of collecting, transporting, storing, and drawing water in the home can all lead to faecal contamination. In addition, without improved water storage and sanitation, a better water supply doesn't always result in full health benefits. Because of this, it's important to have regular quality control procedures. This study is aimed to assess the level of physioco-chemical and bacteriological quality of hosehold drinking water and its contributing factors in flood-prone settlements of South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. Methods In villages in the South Gondar Zone that are prone to flooding, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021. Using standardized water sampling methods, samples of household water were gathered from each residence. Data on socioeconomic conditions and behavioral patterns were gathered through in-person interviews with structured questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used for both univariate and multivariate studies. Results The survey included a total of 675 households. The South Gondar Zone's settlements that are prone to flooding had a prevalence of 62.2 percent (n = 417) with [95% CI (53–60)] positive fecal coliform in household water samples. Family size [AOR = 2.205, 95% CI (1.375–3.536), latrine presence [AOR = 3.449, 95% CI (1.349–8.823)], and utilizing a separate container to draw water from its storage [AOR = 0.454, 95% CI (0.249–0.827)] are variables identified as predictors for fecal coliform contamination of household water. Conclusion In this study, there was a high proportion of fecal contamination in drinking water. The presence of fecal coliforms in household drinking water was found to be significantly related to family size, the availability of a toilet, and the usage of a separate can to draw water from its storage.