Assessing the quality of borehole water in Tafo-Akim in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Water samples collected from the boreholes in Tafo-Akim were analysed for groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking. The purpose of the study is to determine the quality and hence the health implications of borehole water in Tafo- Akim in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Two sets of samples were taken from each of the four boreholes, Site 1-4, were analysed. One set of samples were taken in the dry season while the other was taken in the raining (wet) season. Major heavy metals, physicochemical and microbial parameters of drinking water were used as quality indicator. All instruments and methods (spectrophotometer, comparator, titrimetric and plate count method) used in this study are based on international standard recommendation, availability, proximity to the laboratory and cost involved. The results obtained from the water samples analysed shows that, all physical parameters analysed except pH, conductivity, colour and turbidity, are within the WHO’s standard for drinking water. Heavy metal concentrations observed are also within the WHO’s standard for drinking water except for iron at Site 3. All values obtained for phosphate are outside the WHO’s standard for drinking water while all other chemical parameters are within the standard. Values observed for microbial analysis are unacceptable considering the WHO’s guidelines for drinking water. Statistical comparison of results obtained in the dry and raining season using one way ANOVA shows no significant difference for all parameters measured. The level of probability at which significant difference existed between the groups was set at p<0.05 at 95% confidence level. It was concluded that, water at Site 1 is fairly good for drinking while those at Site 2, 3 and 4 are unacceptable. Some form of treatment and monitoring needs to be done on boreholes in the community.