ABSTRACT

The present study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological parameters present in collected borehole water samples from Umuobia Housing Estate in Umuahia South L.G.A ofAbia State. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the level of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters present in collected borehole water samples; ascertain the level of conformity to WHO water standard for human consumption and recommend the possible level of treatment needed to improve the quality ofwater from boreholes before drinking. 20 houses were randomly selected for the questionnaire survey/oral interview. Water analysis was carried out on water samples from three (3) samples boreholes. The physicochemical properties of the water samples collected were analysed to determine the temperature, turbidity, pH, Biological oxygen demand (BOD), Total suspended solids (TSS), Electrical conductivity, chloride, sulphate, calcium and magnesium ofthe water samples. The result showed that spatial variability in the water quality of the sampled water at different locations. The water quality values were within WHO recommended standards for portable drinking water. The total coliform count were also below WHO recommended limit while E. coli and Streptococcus aureus were detected in the water samples. It was recommended that there should be periodic re-examination of the quality of groundwater supply sources and consumers should boil their water before use or through the use of alum, water guard or through disinfection with the use of chlorine.