Investigating the potability of water from dug wells: A case study of the Bolgatanga Township, Ghana

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some physico-chemical and microbial water quality parameters in fifteen hand-dug wells in Bolgatanga of the Upper East region of Ghana. The effects of seasonal variation and proximity to pollution sources on the concentrations of some parameters of the well water samples were analysed. The results revealed that, total and faecal coliforms in all fifteen samples exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended thresholds for potable water in the dry season. Total coliform, faecal coliform, pH, conductivity, and turbidity, total dissolved solid and total hardness increased in concentration during the rainy season, pointing to infiltrations from storm water. Effect of distance from pollution sources was also pronounced on faecal and total coliform counts, which decreased with increasing distance from pollution sources. It is recommended that these wells be disinfected before use.

Key words: Bacteriological, drinking water, potable, water supply, water quality.