Pathogenic bacteria and some protozoans in water bodies are commonly associated with diarrhoea, which is listed as one of the leading causes of death. The study evaluated water quality parameters (Escherichia coli, total coliform, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia) against Botswana's safety standards. Samples fromThamalakane river, Sexaxa, Disaneg, and Shorobe were analyzed. Results revealed high bacterial counts and parasite presence, exceeding safety thresholds. Thamalakane river water contained 14-21 Cryptosporidium oocysts and 3-7 Giardia cysts per 5 liters, whilepotable water had up to 5 Cryptosporidium oocysts and 2 Giardiacysts per 5 liters. Escherichia coli and total coliform levels in riverwater were as high as 356 cfu/100 ml and 462 cfu/100 mlrespectively, while tap water had 3 cfu/100 ml of E.coli in Shorobeand 31 cfu/100 ml of total coliforms in Sexaxa. The results indicate that both tap and river water samples did not comply with the BOS32:2015 Drinking water standard, posing a risk of diarrhoea to Maun and Shorobe residents.

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