Water Quality Evaluation of Dadin Kowa Reservoir for Human Consumption, Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the water quality of Dadin Kowa Reservoir situated in Gombe State, Northeaster Nigeria. The study 1: Evaluated the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of the raw water 2. Identified potential sources of contamination affecting the water quality of the reservoir. And 3. Assessed the suitability of the untreated reservoir water for direct human consumption. Data were collected through systematic sampling that covered the depth, width and Length of the reservoir. The raw water was analyzed for key indicators including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants such as coliforms and E. coli. The results was then compared with the national (NAFDAC) and international (WHO) drinking water standards. Findings reveal varying degrees of contamination influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors within the catchment. The rainy season water index gave a value of 339.18 while the dray season index gave a value of 298.87 which by far have exceeded the WHO standard for drinking water which stands as 0 -50 as good and drinkable water, 51 – 100 as bad water and any value above 100 as unfit for drinking. Thus the result shows that the raw reservoir water is not fit for human consumption. The study thus recommends treatment before consumption. The Catchment also need to be managed to minimize denudation processes through which much of the contaminants find their way into the dam. The result also underscores the need for integrated water quality monitoring to safeguard public health in the study area.