Abstract

The aim of this research work was to assess the quality of the water from dug wells and lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria, ascertain the contamination problems that may confront the consumers, determine the health risks and suggest appropriate remedies. Twenty (20) dug wells were randomly selected in Oworonshoki area of Lagos and water samples were collected during July to August 2010. The samples were checked for odour, colour and taste and these largely satisfied consumer preferences. Physico-chemical analyses were conducted to determine the concentrations of pH, total solids, total hardness, Cl, SO₄, NO₃, Mg, Ca, Mn, Na, Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb, while microbiological analyses were done to assess the levels of total viable count, total coliform count, faecal coliform count and faecal streptococci count. Most of the samples met WHO guideline values for these parameters, although the pH values were outside the recommended range. Maggots and entero bacteria were found in several well and lagoon samples thus confirming certain health risks associated with these samples. This study recommends that various states in Nigeria create agencies which can be effective in monitoring private water wells from a public health stand point and compel adherence to regulations on the part of the owners.

Key words: Dug wells, lagoon, water, physico-chemical analyses, microbial analyses.