Abstract: This study aimed to assess the levels of pathogenic bacteria in groundwater at different depths within Otuoke Community, focusing on the influence of underground pollution from municipal waste disposal on bacterial presence at various depths. Eighteen samples were collected from three locations which are: Beach Road, Highness Road, and Azikiel Road. Six samples were taken from boreholes at depths ranging from 11 ft to 66 ft. A sterile distilled water sample served as a control. The samples were analyzed using standard microbiological methods, including Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC), Most Probable Number (MPN), Gram staining, and biochemical tests to identify bacterial species and measure bacterial loads. Results showed THBC values between 1.8 × 10⁶ CFU/mL and 4.8 × 10⁶ CFU/mL, with higher bacterial counts in shallower boreholes and significantly lower levels in deeper ones. Five bacterial species—Pseudomonas spp., Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella spp.—were identified. The findings suggest that deeper boreholes (55-66 ft) tend to have reduced pathogenic bacteria, implying that municipal waste pollution impacts groundwater quality. Although deeper boreholes generally offer safer water, ensuring safety requires proper construction, routine microbiological testing, and good sanitation practices. It is recommended to drill boreholes to adequate depths and conduct regular monitoring to mitigate health risks associated with microbial contamination from municipal waste pollution. Keywords: Underground Water, Pollution, Municipal Waste, Pathogenic Bacteria jaerem Benfit 2
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