Microbial and chemical hazards in multi-use dryland waterpans: temporal variability, local heterogeneity and implications for drinking-water safety

Waterpans are widely used for domestic water supply, livestock, and other livelihood needs across drylands, yet spatial and temporal controls on their drinking-water quality remain poorly understood. We assessed 12 multi-use waterpans over nine sampling campaigns spanning dry and wet seasons, measured physicochemical variables, evaluated guideline-relevant chemical exposure, and tested for Escherichia coli. Water quality did not differ systematically among the three within-pan sampling positions, supporting analysis at the waterpan level. E. coli was detected in all 82 waterpan visits with mic

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