AN ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES IN KASHERE, GOMBE STATE

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the quality of drinking water sources available to residential
households and the university community in the rapidly growing new federal university town,
Kashere. Data was obtained from water samples collected from 11 (eleven) hand-dug wells and
boreholes within the vicinity of the university campus and residential dwellings. The samples were
analyzed for Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Turbidity, Colour, Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Magnesium
(Mg2+), Chloride (Cl-) and Total Hardness. The results were compared with the standards
prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water
Quality (NSDWQ). With regards to the physicochemical parameters, the results obtained shows
that the drinking water sources had a reasonably good chemical quality with the exception of EC,
TDS and Mg2+ that were above the WHO and NSDWQ recommended value for drinking water.
To improve the taste and aesthetic properties of the water supply, pre-treatment in the forms of
boiling, filtration, sedimentation and aeration for up to 1-2 days by households are recommended.
Also, good sanitary conditions around the water sources should be encouraged.