Determination of Well Water Quality among some Selected Areas of Batagarawa Local Government Katsina State

Abstract

This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of well water in five selected areas of Batagarawa Local Government Area, Katsina State—namely Batagarawa A, Batagarawa B, Dabaibayawa, Bakiyawa, and Dandagoro. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of well water for domestic use and identify potential health risks associated with water contamination. Water samples were analyzed for key physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen (DO), alongside microbiological parameters such as total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) presence. The results revealed that the physicochemical parameters of all samples were within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. pH values ranged from 6.5 to 7.5, TDS levels were below 500 mg/L, and turbidity levels, except in Dabaibayawa, met WHO standards. However, microbiological analysis indicated significant contamination. Total coliforms exceeded the acceptable limit of 0 CFU/100 mL in all samples, while E. coli was detected in Batagarawa A, Dabaibayawa, and Bakiyawa, suggesting fecal contamination and potential health risks., while the physicochemical quality of well water in Batagarawa LGA is generally satisfactory, microbiological contamination poses serious public health concerns. The study recommends regular water treatment, improved sanitation practices, routine monitoring, and community awareness programs to mitigate contamination risks and ensure access to safe drinking water.

Key words: Physicochemical, Microbiological, Well-water, Potential and Contamination