Water quality is a critical challenge in rural areas like Farta district, Ethiopia, where access to safe drinking water remains a fundamental issue. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Farta district. The study covered 22 rural kebeles, 2 town kebeles, 50 schools, and 20 health care facilities, with data collected during both wet (July 05 to September 08 2022) and dry seasons (January 28 to March 14 2023). The study employed institution, water point, and household surveys and water samples were collected for analysis of pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, and free chlorine residual at the field, while ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, hardness, fluoride, iron, sulfate and E. coli tested at the laboratory. Data analysis was performed using R statistical tools. In terms of healthcare facilities, 31.4% had basic service and 54.3% had limited service. For schools, 78.8% had basic service and 7.5% had limited service. Among households, 33.9% had basic service, 12.2% had limited service, and the remaining relied on unimproved water sources. Water points had lower pH level than the standard in 46.4% of cases and excessive turbidity in 57.1% of sources. Wet season samples showed significantly higher pH and turbidity (p<0.05). Springs had significantly (p<0.05) lower pH than other sources, and unprotected springs had higher turbidity. Chemical contamination was minimal, and free chlorine residual was not detected in water sources and households. E. coli contamination was prevalent, with only a small percentage of water sources and households (10.3% for communal sources, 10.5% for households, 19% for schools, and 20% for health care facilities) being free from fecal contamination. A significant portion of water sources and households (40.3%, 49.8%, 25.4%, and 36% respectively) fell into the high health risk category. E. coli contamination showed no seasonal variation at water sources, but household contamination was significantly higher during the wet season (p<0.05). There was also a significant variation in E. coli contamination between water sources and points of use (p < 0.05). To address this pressing issue and ensure the provision of safe water for viii the community, immediate actions such as protecting water sources and implementing water treatment measures are essential. Key words: E. coli, water quality, safe water, contamination, Farta district