A.E OMOREGIE

In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, many residents depend on untreated surface and groundwater sources such as wells, boreholes, and rivers for drinking and domestic use. The quality of these sources had not been scientifically assessed, raising concerns about their suitability for human consumption. The area faces growing contamination from agricultural runoff, poor waste disposal. These factors can introduce harmful substances like nitrates, phosphates, and heavy metals into drinking water sources. Consuming contaminated drinking water can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, and long-term exposure to toxic metals like lead orchromium can result in neurological and kidney damage. Hence, there was a need to determine if water from these sources posed such health risks. This study assessed the physicochemical quality of drinking water from selected sources in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from five sites comprising two boreholes, two hand-dug wells, and one river. A total of twenty-three physicochemical parameters were analysed, including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total hardness, alkalinity, and several heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Mn, Cr, etc.). Analytical methods were based on APHA standard procedures and results were compared with Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS 977:2017) and WHO permissible limits. The findings revealed that pH values across all water sources were below the acceptable range (6.5–8.5), indicating acidic water with potential for corrosiveness and metal leaching. River water showed elevated turbidity, BOD (3.8 mg/L), and COD (38.0 mg/L), suggesting organic pollution. Lead and chromium levels in the river exceeded regulatory limits, posing potential health risks. Borehole water generally exhibited the best quality, while the river was the most contaminated source. Most other parameters, including nitrate, sulphate, chloride, and iron, were within permissible limits.These results
indicate that while some water sources are suitable for consumption, others, particularly the river, require urgent intervention and treatment. The study recommends regular monitoring, pH correction, community sensitization, and infrastructure improvement to ensure the provision of safe drinking water in Orhionmwon.

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health challenge in rural communities of Nigeria. This study assessed the microbial quality and potential health risks associated with drinking water from multiple sources in Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State. A total of five water samples were collected, comprising two boreholes, two hand-dug wells, and Ikpe River Samples were analysed using the pour plate method for total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and fungi, followed by biochemical identification of isolates. Results revealed bacterial loads ranging from 13 cfu/ml in borehole samples to 5.9 × 10³ cfu/ml in river water, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) limit of 500 cfu/ml for drinking water. E. coli and coliforms were detected in the river and one well sample, indicating fecal contamination, while borehole water remained within permissible standards. Isolated bacterial species included Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., and E. coli, while fungal isolates comprised Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., and Rhodotorula spp. The presence of these organisms, particularly fecal indicators and opportunistic pathogens, underscores potential risks of waterborne infections in the area. The study highlights the need for regular microbial surveillance, improved sanitation practices, and promotion of household water treatment methods such as boiling or chlorination to ensure safe drinking water and protect community health.