Waterborne diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing .. countries. It is well established that a large number of infectious diseases are transmitted primarily through water supplies contaminated with human and animal excreta particularly faeces. The purpose of the study was to assess bacteriological and physicochemical quality of drinking water from source to point-of-use and to investigate the hygiene-sanitation practices of consumers in Woreta town. The samples were selected randomly over three months from January 2012 to March 2012. A total of 51 triplicate water samples were collected from different sampling sites of Woreta town. The water samples were tested for contamination with bacteria using membrane filtration method by using mem8rane filter paper to determine total coliforms (TC) and thermotolerant coliforms (TTC), using standard procedure. Bacteriological analysis of water samples from source to point-of-consumption showed that all were positive for TC and were not meet the recommended value of WHO and ES. Regarding TTC, one well water sample, 5 tap water samples and all household water samples were posit~. The health ri:k matrix assessment indicated that all well water samples had high risk score whereas all reservoir water samples, 5 (71.4%) tap water samples and, 6 (85.7%) household water samples had very high risk score for TC. In the case of TTC, all well and reservoir water samples were within high and intermediate risk score, respectively. Five (71.4%) of the tap and 5 (71.4%) household water samples had high and intermediate risk score for TTC, respectively. Regarding the physicochemical analysis, for all sampling site the temperature were above 20°C, the pH was in the range of 7.4-8.5, the turbidity was in the range of 0.6-2.1 NTU, TDS was in the range of 300-600 mg/I, EC was in the range of 500-1000 µs!cm and FCR was < 0.2 mg/I and therefore the physicochemical parameters w~re met the recommended value of WHO except temperature and FCR. Distributing of water without controlled physicochemical parameters led to low free chlorine residual at the tap and household water containers were the major. factors that contributed the occurrence of high bacterial nurhber. The bacteriological load was greater at the household water samples due to poor hygienic practices. Therefore, the management of water sources, appropriate disinfection of raw water sources with chlorine, promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices are prime importance to deliver safe drinking water to the consumers of study area. ,-~~ ABSTRACT Keywords: Bacteriology, Drinking water, membrane filtration method, physicochemical