Assessment of Wash-Borehole Water Quality in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater from wash-boreholes in Gombe Metropolis North-Eastern Nigeria was investigated to ascertain its quality status and suitability for drinking and domestic uses. Water samples were collected in the three wards of the Metropolis, namely Tudun Wada (ward A), Pantami (ward B) and Jeka da Fari (ward C). The physicochemical and bacteriological analyses conducted were in accordance with the standard procedures. The mean values for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphate (SO₄^2-), nitrate (NO₃^-), fluoride (F^-), hardness, copper, manganese, total and faecal coliforms were within the permissible limits recommended by the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and also, below the World Health Organization (WHO) standards with the exception of nitrate (NO₃^-). However, turbidity and nitrite (NO₂^-) in all the three wards, total iron in wards B and C, as well as the phosphate (PO₄^3-) in ward C, had mean values above the NSDWQ and also, beyond the WHO standards with the exception of nitrate (NO₃^-). Thus, as a preventive measure to control the health threat associated with consumption of nitrate (NO₃^-), nitrite (NO₂^-), phosphate (PO₄^3-) and iron from the water source, wash-borehole water in Gombe Metropolis should only be used for bathing and washing. The study therefore, stresses on the need that public should be provided with an alternative water source for drinking and cooking purposes.

Key words: Wash- borehole, Water quality, Monitoring, Gombe metropolis.