Abstract

In the bid to boost the tourism industry, West Akyem Municipal Assembly identified Lake Ahor, a manmade lake as a potential tourism site in the municipality. However, the quality of the water is not known hence the assessment of the physical, chemical and bacteriological characteristics of the lake. A total of twelve samples of water from the lake were collected in June 2011 and were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis. The measured water quality parameters included  pH, colour, turbidity, alkalinity, TDS, total iron, nitrate, nitrite, trace elements like phosphates, zinc, copper, silicon,  feacal coliform and Escherichia coli counts. The results showed that the averages for parameters like pH, colour, turbidity, alkalinity, TDS, total iron and nitrate were 6.6, 48.3 TCU, 4.8 NTU, 44.2, 1221.3 and 0.2 mg/l respectively. The tests for total coliform, faecal coliform, E. coli and total heterotrophic bacteria levels showed >8 CFU/100 ml for total coliform, between 1.00 and 8.00CFU/100ml for faecal coliform, 0.00 and 9.00 CFU/100 ml for E. coli and 42.00 and 155.0 CFU/100 ml for total heterotrophic bacteria. The water from the lake met the WHO guidelines in all parameters except the colour of the water which was light brownish which reduced the clarity at the deep areas of the lake. It is recommended that the appropriate authorities must demarcate safe swimming areas in the lake to prevent injury or drowning of those who will patronize the facility.

Key words: Recreation, water quality, bacteriological quality, lake