Evaluation of groundwater quality in hand-dug wells (HDW) from Kofar Marusa area, in Katsina state Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the water quality of hand-dug wells (HDW) from Kofar Marusa area in Katsina metropolis, Nigeria for the Physical, Chemical, and Bacteriological parameters. The study used standard laboratory techniques for the water quality analysis and the results were evaluated based on the benchmark standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). A random sampling method was used to select 10 HDW for the water quality analysis. Excel 2007 software was used for data analysis and the results were presented in Table. The results of water quality from HDWs were found to fall within or below or in excess of the safety limits of drinkable water based on the benchmark standard set by the WHO and the NSDWQ. The study concluded that the quality of water from HDWs in Kofar Marusa area was not suitable for drinking. The study recommended regular monitoring of groundwater quality and further research to determine the sources of groundwater pollution in the study area.