A Survey on the Physicochemical Quality and Usage Pattern of Borehole and Well Water in Some Ahoada East Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health challenge in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. This study assessed domestic water sources and their public health implications in the communities of Ikata, Okporowo, and Ahoada. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Water samples were collected from boreholes and wells and analyzed for physicochemical (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and lead) and bacteriological parameters (total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, and fungi) using standard laboratory methods. Structured questionnaires were also administered to 370 residents to determine water usage, sanitation practices, and waterborne disease prevalence. Findings revealed that well water was the dominant source in Ikata (64.0%) and Okporowo (65.6%), while borehole water predominated in Ahoada (57.8%). Water usage was daily among 82.7% of respondents, with 65.9% reporting no treatment before use. The physicochemical results showed pH values ranging from 6.2 to 7.9, indicating slightly acidic to neutral water, and elevated concentrations of nitrate (3.4–14.8 mg/L) and phosphate (1.9–5.7 mg/L), suggesting contamination from anthropogenic activities. Lead concentrations were detected between 0.01–0.05 mg/L, exceeding the WHO permissible limit (0.01 mg/L) in some samples. Bacteriological analysis recorded total heterotrophic bacterial counts between 2.1 × 10⁵ and 6.3 × 10⁵ CFU/mL, while total coliform counts ranged from 23 to 86 MPN/100 mL, surpassing WHO standards for potable water. Pathogenic bacteria isolated included Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Klebsiella sp., and Pseudomonas sp. Survey data indicated that typhoid fever (50.3%) and diarrhea (37.4%) were the most prevalent waterborne diseases, with higher occurrence among households using untreated water sources. The study concludes that most domestic water sources in Ahoada East are unsafe for direct consumption due to microbial and chemical contamination. It recommends regular water quality monitoring, public health education, and improved water treatment practices to reduce waterborne disease risks and ensure safe drinking water for residents.