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Sanitary Inspection of Wells in Enugu, Nigeria
Abstract
Aim: To conduct a sanitary inspection of wells in Enugu so as to identify the system deficiencies that could pose risk to the health of the users and to compare the contamination risk factors of the wells in different areas of the town.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Enugu metropolis in 1998. Using a multi-stage sampling method, 75 wells were selected and inspected using an 11-point risk assessment scale recommended by WHO. Relevant information was obtained through observation, measurements using metal tapes and by interviewing the owners/users of the wells.
Results: All the wells were shallow with a mean depth of 7.2 ± 2.1 metres. Up to 13(17.3%) wells had no/inadequate concrete lining less than 3 metres. All had no /inadequate apron and parapet. Five wells (6.7%) had faulty drainage channel within 2 metres. A quarter of the wells had wooden/no cover and in 65(86.7%) wells, water is drawn using any available container. Twenty three (30.7%) wells were located within ten metres of a sewage contamination source. The contamination risk scores of the wells significantly differed in different parts of the town.
Conclusion: All the wells had between 3 to 6 potential contamination points and none may be devoid of pollution. Adequate health education of well constructors/users is highly recommended so as to minimize the health hazzards posed by the present uninformed practice. The government should set up a water supply surveillance agency within the health ministry.
Key words: Sanitary inspection, wells, water supply.
[Jnl College of Medicine Vol.7(1) 2002: 43-46]
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Enugu metropolis in 1998. Using a multi-stage sampling method, 75 wells were selected and inspected using an 11-point risk assessment scale recommended by WHO. Relevant information was obtained through observation, measurements using metal tapes and by interviewing the owners/users of the wells.
Results: All the wells were shallow with a mean depth of 7.2 ± 2.1 metres. Up to 13(17.3%) wells had no/inadequate concrete lining less than 3 metres. All had no /inadequate apron and parapet. Five wells (6.7%) had faulty drainage channel within 2 metres. A quarter of the wells had wooden/no cover and in 65(86.7%) wells, water is drawn using any available container. Twenty three (30.7%) wells were located within ten metres of a sewage contamination source. The contamination risk scores of the wells significantly differed in different parts of the town.
Conclusion: All the wells had between 3 to 6 potential contamination points and none may be devoid of pollution. Adequate health education of well constructors/users is highly recommended so as to minimize the health hazzards posed by the present uninformed practice. The government should set up a water supply surveillance agency within the health ministry.
Key words: Sanitary inspection, wells, water supply.
[Jnl College of Medicine Vol.7(1) 2002: 43-46]
