This study analyzed water quality in shallow wells in Akure, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from wells and tested for physical, chemical, and bacteriological quality. The results found that 30% of samples exceeded the WHO limit for total dissolved solids. Additionally, 60% of samples tested positive for E. coli, indicating fecal contamination. While most samples met WHO standards for turbidity, taste, and metals, 90% fell outside the recommended pH range of 6.5-8.5. The study concluded water treatment like disinfection is needed for some wells due to contamination issues.

1. SHALLOW WELL WATER QUALITY IN AKURE
METROPOLIS, SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA.
OJO, Ochuko Mary
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Federal
University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria.
E-mail: omojo@futa.edu.ng

2. Introduction
 Globally, one person dies from water-related disease every
minute (UNICEF, 2005), while these diseases cause an estimated
12 million deaths worldwide each year (Buor, 2004).
 One of the major challenges facing water and Environmental
Engineers around the world is the provision of wholesome water
to meet the needs of the increasing population.
 Approximately one third of the world population use
groundwater for drinking and other purposes. Ground water is
abstracted through boreholes and wells.

3. Case study Area and Sampling points
 This study was carried out in Akure metropolis and a selected neighboring
town.
 Akure town is located in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State,
South Western Nigeria.

4. Sources of potable water in the study Area

5. METHODOLOGY
 The well water samples were randomly selected and
subjected to comprehensive physical, chemical and
bacteriological analysis.
 The physicochemical examination of the water samples
were completed within six hours of sample collection.
 The pH of each water sample was determined using a
calibrated pH meter. The colour and turbidity of each
sample was measured with a digital spectrophotometer.
 A calibrated conductivity meter was employed for the
determination of the Conductivity of the water samples.
 Other chemical analyses of the samples were done using
methods specified in APHA (2005).

6. Results and Discussion
 A comparison was made with the WHO drinking water
standards.
 Some variations were observed in the chemical and
bacteriological characteristics of the water samples.

7. Results and Discussion continued
The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content
ranged from 189.4 to 865.7. 30% of the
water samples had TDS values higher than
the WHO recommended limit of 500mg/L.
TDS is an indication of organic salts and
dissolved materials in water.
The conductivity values ranged from 172to
910mg/L, but none of them exceeded the
WHO maximum limit of 1000mg/L.
Conductivity could be an indicator of
mineralization or salinity problems and
could affect physical properties such as
colour, taste and odour.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
TotalDissolvedSolids(mg/L)
Well Water Samples
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
WHO Maximum
Recommended
Limit
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Conductivity,us/cm
Well water Samples
Conductivity,
us/cm
WHO Maximum
permisible
Conductivity

8. Results and Discussion continued
 The water samples met the WHO requirement for total bacterial
count for drinking water as none of them exceeded the maximum
limit of 100 CFU/100mL. However, 60% of the well water samples
had E.coli present. The presence of e-coli in water is an
indication of the presence of faecal contamination.
The pH values of 90% of the well water
samples did not fall within WHO
recommended standard of 6.5 to 8.5.
Low water pH can cause gastro-
intestinal irritation in sensitive
individuals.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
pH
Well Water Samples
pH
Minimum WHO
Recommended pH
value

9. Conclusion and Recommendation
 The physical analysis carried out revealed that most the well
water samples met up with the W.H.O standards in terms of
odour, total suspended solid, taste, temperature and turbidity
 The concentrations of heavy metals, conductivity, TDS and total
hardness were also within permissible limits set by WHO.
 However, elevated level of pH above WHO permissible limits in
some samples pose serious health concern
 Some of the well water samples contain coliform which is an
indication of contamination by faecal organisms.
 Suitable treatment, preferably disinfection is recommended

10. Thanks for Listening
Ochuko Mary Ojo
E-mail -omojo@futa.edu.ng