Potability assessment of some springs, boreholes and sachet water products in four-corners, Ikom Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the quality of some drinking water supply sources in Four-Corners, Ikom Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria using World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standards for drinking water. The supply sources (three springs, three boreholes and three different products of sachet water) were randomly selected for the study. The water samples were subjected to physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses. Temperature, pH and conductivity were determined using handheld meters at sampling sites while other parameters were determined in the laboratory. The bacteriological analysis was carried out through membrane filtration techniques. Results from the physico-chemical test showed that pH, conductivity, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc for all the water supply sources were compliant with WHO standard while temperature, total hardness, calcium, iron and magnesium were higher than WHO standard limits. Total dissolved solids and turbidity were not detected in all the water samples from the three different water supply sources. Faecal coliforms were found in all the water sources, which points to the fact that the three water sources were unsafe for human consumption. The findings of this study deduced that none of the water supply sources met the WHO standards for drinking. Considering the potential impacts of unsafe drinking water, recommendations to save the situation have been made.