The water used in the city of Ouagadougou for vegetables irrigation is often of questionable
quality and can pose a public health threat to the population. The objectives of the present study
were to estimate the concentration of microorganisms and physicochemical parameters in water
used for irrigation. Water samples from three sites were analyzed according to standard
methods. Total coliforms were on average 3.5103 CFU / 100 ml; 2.8103 CFU / 100 ml;
5.5103CFU / 100 ml respectively for water from site 1, site 2 and the Tanghin dam. Fecal
coliforms were 1.2103 CFU / 100 ml; 4.1102 CFU / 100 ml; 1.1103 CFU / 100 ml
respectively for site 1, site 2 and the Tanghin dam. The mean fecal enterococci were 4.9102
CFU / 100 ml; 4.0102 CFU / 100 ml; 7.4102 CFU / 100 ml respectively for site 1, site 2 and
the Tanghin dam. A sample from the Tanghin dam had magnesium concentration higher than
the WHO standard. This study reveals that the site 1 and the Tanghin dam are not suitable for
the irrigation of vegetables in Ouagadougou and measures must be taken to purify the water to
the required standards

Water quality, physico-chemical, bacteriological, urban agriculture