Quality Status of Kafin-chiri Reservoir, Kano State, Nigeria for Drinking Water Supply

The quality of drinking water depends largely on the treatment process and the distribution network. Water samples were collected from different locations in the reservoir, treatment plant and potable water from the tap and analyzed for physical and chemical parameters; pH, temperature, TDS, conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, suspended solids, total solids, color, DO, BOD, Cl- NO2-, NO3-, COD and PO43- in three seasons of the year November - February (cold season); March - June (dry season) and July - September (rainy season). The results obtained showed no significant variations p<0.05 between the three sampling locations but with significant seasonal variations. The values obtained for most of the parameters were above the threshold limit set by WHO. There is no effectiveness in the treatment process in the removal of contaminants from the treated water. Water quality index (WQI) was calculated for the three sampling sites; reservoir, treated and potable water with a result of 147, 97 and 102 respectively which indicates very poor water quality. This gives serious concern over the possible adverse effect on human health. Excessive use of phosphate and nitrate based fertilizers and other anthropogenic activities around the reservoirs should be discouraged.