Groundwater Quality Assessment and Sanitary Surveillance of Boreholes in Rural Areas in Benue State Of Nigeria

Abstract

Access to clean and potable water is a great challenge in most rural areas in Nigeria, resulting in Water borne illness. This study was aimed at evaluation the physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics of ground water with the sanitary condition around the boreholes in rural areas (Vandeikya) of Benue State Nigeria. Water quality parameters wee determined using standard methods, while sanitary surveillance was accessed with the aid of standard questionnaires. All the parameters were examined in two seasons (Wet and Dry) and most of them increased in content during the wet season over the dry season, due to the surface run off from storm water. Coliform count, pH, turbidity copper and iron in most instances, exceeded the world health organization recommended standard for portable water. The result of the sanitary surveillance revealed that the effect was more pronounced on the total coliform count of the ground water. The ground water quality samples were not fit for human consumption without adequate treatment. Routine monitoring of the ground water quality and maintaining sanity around the water points were recommended.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n5p153