Assessment of Potable Water Quality from Boreholes and Rainwater Reservoirs in Etsako Communities in Edo State, Nigeria

The quality of water obtained from fifteen stations consisting of boreholes and rainwater reservoirs in Etsako, Edo state, were assessed in this study. The levels of physico chemical, microbial Properties were determined using standard methods recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials for physico chemical properties and spread plate count method for microbial content. Water Quality Indices were determined using an adopted mathematical model. The results showed that the mean pH levels ranged from (4.3±0.1 – 7.2±0.1), Turbidity (0.6±0.00 – 2.0±1.3 NTU), Conductivity (17.5±0.5 – 307.5±21.5 µS/cm), TDS (12.5±0.5 – 216.0±15.0 mg/l), Salinity (0.01±0.00 – 0.19±0.05 ‰), Total Hardness (1.2±0.5 – 64.5±3.9 mg/l), Alkalinity (6.0±2.0 – 80.0±56.0 mg/l), Chloride ion (1.0±0.00 – 10.3±5.9 mg/l), Sulphate (1.0±0.00 – 9.5±4.0 mg/l), Nitrate (0.00 – 2.46±1.15 mg/l), Phosphate (0.00 – 0.69±0.02 mg/l), Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (3.00±2.00 – 2.458×104±2.44×104 cfu/ml), Total Coliform Bacteria (0.00 – 7.5±4.5 MPN/100ml), Faecal Coliform Bacteria (0.00 – 3.00±0.01 MPN/100ml), pH levels of water in the areas were within set limits in most stations. Water Quality Indices showed that the water in the study area ranged from poor to Unsuitable for drinking. The results from this study show that water in the study area is poor for drinking purposes and can pose health hazards to the population if consumed without proper treatment. Thus, regular monitoring, adequate treatment as well as alternative source of drinking water were recommended.