Abstract Drinking water quality assessed from the source to the point of consumption in Nakasongola District. The purpose of the research was to locate specific points where contamination of drinking water occurs and assess the water handling practices affecting its quality. 109 households were visited and 333 samples from their sources of water, transport and storage containers were analysed. The quality of water was measured using Escherichia coli as an indicator for faecal contamination and diarrhoeal disease cases experienced in the last three months. The research found that 55.3% water samples from rural setting indicated that contamination occurs at the source as opposed to 50.7% from urban setting with regard to storage in the household. On interviews, 76% of the households indicated that faecal contamination occurs at the source. It is recommended that water from various sources be treated. Water supply programs should focus on sanitation practices at the point of consumption.