Description

Abstract: Elevated levels of fecal pollution in surface water pose significant health risks for humans as well as livestock, and degrade aquatic ecosystems. This brief presents preliminary findings on pollution research in the River Njoro Watershed and explores actions to reduce gross pollution found throughout. We conducted an extensive survey and launched a year-long program to measure fecal coliform bacteria in river water to quantify pollution levels across the watershed, pinpoint problem areas and identify major sources. Genetic methods were applied to track fecal sources and test for Cryptosporidium spp., a water-borne pathogen causing severe diarrhea in young, old, and immuno-compromised human and cattle populations. A common pattern of fecal pollution peaking in August, significantly higher levels detected when cattle were present at a site, and widespread detection of cow fecal genetic markers, point to livestock, in particular cattle, as the most likely cause of gross fecal pollution and probable source of Cryptosporidium risk in the Njoro Watershed. Elimination of the widespread practice of in-river livestock watering through provision of watering troughs would quickly reduce gross levels of fecal pollution, bringing immediate health benefits for humans, livestock, and ecosystems. Tackling the complex web of humanlivestock- animal, resident-migratory, and rural-urban combinations of sources and actors contributing fecal pollution in this and similar rural watersheds throughout Kenya requires a long-term multi-pronged engagement process of joint local community and government action.