Physicochemical Characteristics of Hand-dug Well Water Conditions and Hygiene Practices among Households in Selected Areas of Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Water resources characterization is an essential component of quality water deliveries to the populace. Hence, the objective of this paper was to assess the physicochemical characteristics of hand-dug well water conditions and hygiene practices among households in selected areas of Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained showed that the mean pH concentrations ranged from 2.2 – 7.26; temperature 27.2 – 35.5°C; TDS 46.33 – 442 mg/L and EC 21.67 – 128.33 μS/cm, respectively. Significant variations (p<0.05) were observed in the water concentrations sampled across the study area. About 70% of the wells are of medium risk and 56% of the well owners indicated that their well water suffers a colour change, especially during the wet season and 58% reported typhoid as illness suffered most in the last six months. We observed housefly infestation and human excreta odour, including unhygienic activities around the well heads which mostly have cracked casings. Well owners displayed low knowledge about their well water quality and well sinking standards. The study concluded that, wells in the area may be exposed to faeco-oral disease pathogens.