Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in Diko and Environs, Niger State, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 45 water samples were collected from hand-dug wells in Diko and immediate environs and send to the laboratory for relevant physical, chemical and microbial analyses. The results of the analyses were compared with the guideline for a safe drinking water stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). The physical and chemical parameters analyzed compete favourably with WHO and NSDWQ guideline values. In some locations, the microbial analysis shows values higher than the maximum permissible limit recommended by WHO and NSDWQ which is an indication of faecal contamination. The wells that contained total coliform and Escherichia coli were located close to the toilet system. The study has shown that the level of faecal contamination in the wells is a function of the distance of the well from the pit-latrine or soakaway system. Future hand-dug wells should be sited away from the toilet system as this will reduce the level of contamination in the area. Since most infectious diseases are transmitted primarily through human and animal excreta, particularly faeces, boiling of water before drinking is advocated because pathogens do not survive under high temperatures.