The widespread use of disinfectants and various medications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about their potential impact on the characteristics of natural waters. To assess the effect of the COVID-19 response on surface waters in Yaoundé, various physicochemical parameters of three rivers (Mfoundi, Tongolo, and Mingoa) were examined over 8 months. The selection of these rivers was based on their proximity to hospitals involved in COVID-19 patient management. Physico-chemical parameters were measured following standard protocols, and their spatiotemporal variations and the influence of various factors, were examined. The results revealed that, during the study period, the values for temperature (23？C to 30？C), dissolved oxygen (14% to 90%), pH (6.2 to 9.5), electrical conductivity (100 to 662 μS/cm), oxidability (0.19 to 42.19 mg/l), and suspended solids (1 to 725 mg/l) exhibited variations, except for total dissolved solids (30 to 470 mg/l), whose levels remained within the recommended limit (<1000 mg/l). The oxidability and pH were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 response measure. Compared to previous studies, the water quality for these parameters in certain rivers deteriorated. The incidence of COVID-19 cases was positively correlated (rs = 0.812, P = 0.014) with oxidability levels in the Tongolo river. The COVID-19 response measures had a limited negative effect on the surface waters of Yaoundé during the study period. This could be attributed to the disproportionate application of hygiene measures among the city’s populations. Additionally, the lack of flow observed in certain rivers requires particular attention from authorities and the populations to safeguard the city’s ecosystems.
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