Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, H: Environment & Earth Science, Volume 23 Issue 2

Assessment of Water Quality of the Nalerigu Dam in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region of Ghana Abdul-Rahaman Issahaku Abstract- The study investigated the water quality of the Nale- rigu dam and compared to the WHO recommended levels for both physicochemical and bacteriological parameters. There was also a survey of 99 out of 135 household heads who were within 50 meters around the dam to assess their usage of the dam water. The sampled dam water was analysed at the Wa- ter Research Institute laboratory in Tamale. The water pH was found to range from 6.30 to 6.50 with a mean temperature range of 30.3 to 30.5 0 C. The turbidity of the water exceeded the WHO limits. Other physicochemical parameters monitored including total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity values were within the WHO recom- mended levels for surface water quality. Results of the bacteri- ological analysis including faecal coliforms and total coliforms were high. It was concluded that the Nalerigu dam was con- taminated and unsafe for human consumption if not treated. The study recommends a further study into metallic concentra- tion of the dam to ensure the quality besides physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of the dam. I. I NTRODUCTION he quality of water for both domestic and econom- ic activities is threatened as human populations grow and affects the existence of all living organ- isms [1]. The quality of any water source is thus a func- tion of both natural influences and human activities [2]. Aqautic environments are complex and require judicious and careful use to ensure sustainability into the future [1]. Water quality is a challenge to many communi- ties and societies which are depended on rain or sur- face water such as dam, springs and rivers. This threat- ens human health, limit food production, reduced eco- system functions, and hinders economic growth [3]. Waterquality degradation directly affects environmental, social and economic problems [4]. Globally, fresh water availability is limited due to worsening anthropogenic activities and competition from animals leading to pollu- tion and degradation [5]. Potable water availability, access and affordability is still a major challenge in many developing countries as nearly 10% of the global population uses drinking water from unimproved and unsafe sources [6]. This is more conspicuous in rural areas and small towns in developing countries where nearly 38% of the population are still without access to potable water [7]. The [8] has estimated that 80% of the popula- tion has access to improved water sources but with a high risks of contamination due to improper mainten- ance and poor sanitation. In urban communities, acces- sibility of safe drinking water varies with their socio- economic status. In some settlements in rural areas and peri-urban area, springs, rivers, lakes, and wells are the traditional sources of water for drinking and for personal hygiene. Surface water quality testing is rarely underta- ken indeveloping countries, as more attention is usually paid to water availability and quantity than quality of wa- ter [9, 10]. The quality of fresh water is usually affected by natural and anthropogenic activities and must be treated before use especially in the case of surfacewater which is infamously known to be polluted [11, 12]. The quality of surface water in rural communi- ties affected by excreta from both human and domestic animals, run-off fromagricultural fields and detergents from washing of chlothing [13, 14]. Therefore, many pa- rameters of water in terms of its chemical, physical, and biological constituents must be analysed before use. In developing countries water quality standards are based on the World Health Organisation‘s (WHO‘s) guidelines for drinking water. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is the institution responsible for water supply in urban areas while the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) is in charge of water supply in small towns and villages. Drinking water quality monitoring is awide-range assessment of the quality of water in a dis- tribution system as supplied to theconsumer [15] but this is rarely done in raw water from dams and rivers [16, 17]. A good environmental sanitation is required to maintain a clean, safe and good physical and natural aquatic environment in all human settlement, to enhance the socio-cultural, economic, and physical well-being of all aspects of the population [Republic of Ghana, 2010]. Open defecation in which individuals or households dis- pose of faeces in fields,forests, bushes, open bodies of water, beaches or other open spaces, or with solid waste pollute or degrade water quality. This result in the spread of diarrhoea as well as parasitic infections such T 1 Year 2023 77 © 2023 Global Journals Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Volume XXIII Issue ersion I VII ( H ) Author: Director of the Drylands Research Institute of the University for Development in Tamale, Northern Region. e-mail: irahaman2@uds.edu.gh