Assessment of surface water quality and potential health effects on its users. A case of Awusavu reservoir.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface water reservoir's quality for residential and agricultural use as well as any possible health risks to its users. Following established national and international guidelines, a total of forty water samples were collected: sixteen samples were taken in a two-sampling series during the dry season and twenty-four samples were taken in a three-sampling series during the wet season. The physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics were examined on the water samples. The result obtained for colour, turbidity, total iron content, and bacterial load were higher than the WHO/GSA recommended values. The water is deemed unsafe for its intended use based on the computed CCMEWQI result. The NPI value ascertained the presence of pollution, resulting from the high concentration of iron. The MI value indicated the presence of at least one metal accumulation in the surface water. But, the HPI value indicated no toxic health risk level relating to heavy metals. The increased levels of iron, turbidity and microbial growth can cause health challenges like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhoea. A paired sample t-test was employed to investigate the impact of seasonal variations on the parameters. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of the physicochemical parameters between the two seasons, which might be attributed to the addition and dilution of neighboring compounds into the reservoir during rains. The area's brief experience with drought may have contributed to the lack of significant changes in heavy metal and microbial concentrations during the seasonal transition. Therefore, it is advised that the Ningo-Prampran District Assembly make sure that tap water is available everywhere in the community and inform the public about the risks associated with using contaminated water and poor sanitation practices.