Project Abstract

Abstract
Assessment of drinking water quality is a critical process to ensure the safety and health of the population. This research project focused on evaluating the quality of drinking water from various sources, including tap water, well water, and bottled water. The study aimed to analyze key parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal concentrations, and microbial contamination levels. In this research, water samples were collected from different locations and analyzed using standard laboratory techniques and equipment. The results were compared to the guidelines set by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine compliance with safety standards. The findings revealed variations in water quality among the different sources, with some samples exceeding the permissible limits for certain parameters. The assessment of pH levels showed that most of the samples fell within the acceptable range of 6.5 to 8.5, indicating neutral to slightly alkaline water. Turbidity measurements indicated the clarity of the water, with higher turbidity levels suggesting the presence of suspended particles. TDS levels were found to vary significantly among the samples, with higher TDS values indicating a higher concentration of dissolved solids in the water. Heavy metal analysis revealed the presence of contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and mercury in some samples, albeit below the maximum contaminant levels established by regulatory agencies. Microbial testing identified the presence of coliform bacteria in a few samples, highlighting potential risks of waterborne diseases. Overall, the results of this study emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and assessment of drinking water quality to safeguard public health. It is crucial for water treatment facilities and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with established standards and take corrective actions when necessary to address any water quality issues. Future research in this area could focus on exploring advanced water treatment technologies to address emerging contaminants and improve overall water quality. Additionally, community education and awareness programs are essential to promote safe drinking water practices and empower individuals to take proactive steps in ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.

Project Overview

1.0     INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose.

Water is essential to maintain and sustain human life, animal and plant (Patil and Patil, 2010). The availability of good quality water is an indispensable feature for preventing disease and improving quality of life ( Oluduro and Aderiye, 2007). Safe drinking water is a human birthright as much as clean air, however much of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water. Of the 6 billion people on earth, more than one billion lack access to safe drinking water (Amoo and Akinbode, 2007). Groundwater constitutes an important source of water supply for domestic and agriculture purposes in Nigeria.

Groundwater is believed to be comparatively much cleaner and free from pollution than surface water. Water pollution is a state of deviation from pure condition, whereby its normal function and properties are affected. However, prolong discharge of industrial effluents, domestic sewage and solid waste dump causes the ground water to be polluted thereby creating health problems (Raja et al, 2002). These problems are much more acute in areas which are densely populated, thickly industrialized and have shallow groundwater table. Groundwater is naturally replenished by surface water from precipitation, streams and rivers when this recharge reaches the water table and naturally lost through discharge to the oceans, evaporation, and evapotranspiration. Rain water dissolves soluble salts from vegetations, topsoils, river beds, lake beds into water bodies, hence most ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+and NH4+) in rain water are also found in surface and groundwater (Imoisi et al., 2012).

The most familiar of these ions are Ca2+ and Mg2+ which interfere with the cleaning action of soap, and can form hard sulfate and soft carbonate deposits in water heaters or boilers.