Potability Of Shallow Groundwater In Enugu Town, Southeastern Nigeria

Eighty-eight (88) samples of the groundwater in Enugu have been studied in order to evaluate its potability. The parameters of interest are common waste-derivable chemical constituents such as nitrate (NO 3 - ), chloride (Cl - ) and sulphate (SO 4 2- ), and indicator micro-organisms, like Escherichia coli . The study showed that about twenty-two percent (22%) of the samples have concentrations of NO 3 - higher than the WHO permissible level (45mg/l) while eight out of the ten samples analyzed to test the bacteriological quality of the groundwater showed evidence of sewage contamination. The identification of E. coli in the water indicates faecal contamination. Improvement in the management of domestic wastes, such as the use of a central sewer, will preserve the aquifer, and consequently improve the quality of the groundwater. KEY WORDS: Bacteriological examination, Enugu town, groundwater, potability, shallow aquifer. Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol.3(1&2) 2004: 33-39