Antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from pipe–borne chlorinated (Treated) water and untreated water in ilorin

Water is an important constituent of all forms of life. It helps to sustain life and plays a key role in cell metabolic process. Adam & Moss1 reiterated its importance by stating that “life is totally dependent on the presence of water”. It was reported by Harrison2 to be the most abundant of all resources, while Brock et al.3 reported that it covers about 70% of the whole earth’s surface. Water can be divided into two (2) main sources namely surface and underground water. Surface water is made up of water bodies that are exposed directly to the atmosphere. They include rivers, lakes, and streams and so on. Surface water is easily contaminated by human pathogens through direct and indirect input of municipal sewage and other source of human and animal excreta (Encyclopedia of Microbiology vol. 4). Surface water generally requires treatment to ensure their portability for human consumption. Underground water is made up of water bodies that are not directly exposed to the atmosphere but are submerged within the earth’s crust. Examples include wells, springs, and so on. It is generally believed that ground– water is the purest form of naturally occurring water.4 This is due to the fact that the passage of water through the soil sediments tends to retain contaminating agents,5 However, this assumption is not totally acceptable because ground water is not always free of microorganisms. Pathogenic organisms that may reach the soil and eventually the ground water include bacteria, fungi and so on. As the world remains today, no single day passes without water being put to use by a community or group of individuals. This draws one’s attention to how important water is. Water remains the most important and indispensable commodity that supports the existence of life on earth, yet, unevenly distributed throughout the world. Hence, every effect must be put in place to ensure its safety. Water is the solvent in which the molecules of life are dissolved and the availability of water therefore a critical factor that affects the growth of cells.6 Water is the most common surface–exposed compound which covers 70% of the earth, but only 2.6% is available as potential drinking water.7 Water is a colourless, tasteless and odourless liquid. Taste and odour can originate from natural inorganic and organic chemical contaminants and biological sources or processes (e.g., aquatic microorganisms), from contamination by synthetic chemicals, from corrosion or as a result of water treatment (e.g., chlorination). Taste and odour may also develop during storage and distribution due to microbial activity. Taste and odour in drinking–water may be indicative of some form of pollution or of a malfunction during water treatment or distribution. It may therefore be an indication of the presence of potentially harmful substances. The cause should be investigated and the appropriate health authorities should be consulted, particularly if there is a sudden or substantial change. Colour, cloudiness, particulate matter, and visible organisms may also be noticed by consumers and may create concerns about the quality and acceptability of a drinking– water supply. Water can be used for various purposes; these include domestic uses such as cooking, laundry, bathing etc. it is also used for industrial purposes for example in the production of chemicals and pharmaceutical products, food, and irrigation which is normally