Groundwater samples were collected during April and August 2016 from five hand-dug wells in Soa
subdivision, Cameroon, Africa, with the aim to assess the microbiological quality of them and the
health risk they (it) posed to the population in the study area. The low piezometric levels (9 – 20 m)
and the little variation in curb-stone heights (0.58 – 1.05 m) suggest that the wells are vulnerable to pollution. The physicochemical parameters show that the groundwater of Soa is acidic and poorly
mineralized. The residents (population that is) dominated by students are not connected to the
supply of water, making them to take recourse to groundwater for potable and general domestic
use. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples focused on the search and listing of
heterotrophic mesophilic aerobic bacteria (HAMB). Also, bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family
were isolated, identified and listed (Escherichia, Klebsiella, Shigella, Citrobacter, Providencia). The
analyses were carried out through standard, selective and conventional gallery culture media, using
surface spreading, streaking and sub-culturing techniques. Different ions were also measured for
the physicochemical component according to the usual analytical techniques. The low values of
oxidability recorded clearly indicated the organic pollution of the study area. The organic matter
was found largely influencing the increase in bacterial load (which is high and varied). The
presence of these germs degrades the quality of the water, which varies from one site to the other,
with the important factors being the proximity of the sources of pollution to the well and its poor
maintenance. As local populations are using these ground waters without any prior treatment, they
are prone to health risks over the period time.