The consumption of unsafe drinking water is a vitalpublic health concern. This study investigates the bacteriological quality and physicochemical parameters of drinking water sources within the Sub-Division. Fieldwork conducted in February and July 2018 involved the collection of water samples from 27 springs, 8 streams, 1 borehole, 4 wells and 2 rainwater sources from 24 communities. was.Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of the water samples was performed following the standards technique set by APHA 2016 and statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 21 and Rockworks software. The results indicated pH values >8 (36.6%) which are above the recommended standards by WHO for drinking water and which may lead to the corrosion of pipes. Total coliform count ranged from 1 to 236 per 100ml and was observed in 64.2 % of the water samples making them unsuitable for drinking. The relative abundance of cations and anions stood at Ca2+>Mg2+>K+>Na+and HCO3 ->NO3 ->Cl- >SO4 2 ->F- . The major water type was Ca2+HCO3 - and the water resources were rich in Ca2+ and HCO3- . The mineralogy of water samples was based on water-rock interaction from weathered igneousrocks which are predominantly basalts rich in calcium. The health impacts of resultant waterborne diseases were evident in the community as shown by records from hospitals and health centers. Diarrhoea was prevalentin children between the ages of <1-10 years and cyclical occurrences of waterborne diseaseswere observed throughout the year during the wet and dry seasons. Suitable management strategies such as the protection of water sources, proper treatment and distribution of the water, as well as the protection of watershedswere identified as possible strategies for safeguardingthe quality of the water supply systems in the area.

Keywords : Bafut, potable water sources, physicochemical parameters microbial quality, health risks, water-borne diseases