1 Laboratory of Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Higher Pedagogical Institute of Boma (ISPB) P.O. Box 151 Kongo Central, DR Congo.
2 Hydrobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, National Pedagogical University (NPU) P.O. Box 8815 Kinshasa I, DRC.
3 Medical Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Matadi (ISSI) P.O. Box 259 Matadi, Kongo Central, DR Congo.
4 Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, National Pedagogical University (NPU) P.O. Box 8815 Kinshasa I, DRC.
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2026, 19(01), 084-104
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2026.19.1.0608
Received on 22 February 2026; revised on 02 April 2026; accepted on 04 April 2026
The quality of drinking water in distribution networks constitutes a major public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, notably due to the aging of infrastructures and operational constraints. This study aims to evaluate the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of water distributed by REGIDESO in Boma (D.R. Congo) during the dry season 2025, to analyze its spatio-temporal variability and to identify the critical points of the network.
A total of 264 samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters (pH, residual chlorine, turbidity) and 120 samples for bacteriological parameters (Escherichia coli, Total and Fecal Coliforms). The data were processed using descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and HCA).
The results indicate a low compliance of residual chlorine (41.7%) and a total non-compliance of turbidity (0%), while pH remains globally within standards. No contamination by Escherichia coli was detected, but contamination by total coliforms was observed (up to 41.7% depending on the method). The PCA highlights a principal gradient dominated by residual chlorine, while the HCA distinguishes two groups of sites corresponding to contrasted levels of quality.
These results reveal a vulnerability of the distribution network, requiring a strengthening of operational control and infrastructures.
Drinking Water; Microbiological Quality; Escherichia Coli; Waterborne Diseases; Dry Season; Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Live Loki Mavema, Edouard Mbungu Sisa, Philippine Makoso Buanga, Thom’s Bofenda Kelekele, Déogratias Schie’Nkung’Mutambel’Hity and Yvonne Bomangwa Ibebeke Saila. Physico-chemical and bacteriological analysis of the water quality of the REGIDESO distribution network, Boma Center during the dry season 2025 in Kongo Central (D.R. Congo). International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2026, 19(01), 084-104. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2026.19.1.0608.
