ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN SHALLOW WELLS AND BOREHOLES IN MANASE IN BLANTYRE

Groundwater provides a vital source of drinking water for rural and peri-urban communities in many parts of Africa, particularly in the dry season when there are few safe alternative sources. This study aimed at assessing water quality in shallow wells and boreholes in Manase village. Water samples were collected from selected seven shallow wells and one borehole on 8th May during the wet season. Water samples were analyzed for 13 selected physicochemical and 2 biological parameters including turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, fluoride, carbonate, bicarbonate, alkalinity, total coliform and fecal coliform using standard methods recommended by APHA. Results were subjected to statistical evaluations using Excel 2013 for descriptive statistics and water quality index. The level of alkalinity ranged from 193.87 to 374.45mg/L and was above the maximum permissible limit for WHO at all sampling points. The level of turbidity ranged from 0.97±0.085 to 28.9±0.416NTU. Turbidity at SW2 and USW5 were above the recommended standards for WHO and USW5 for MBS. The level of fecal coliform and total coliform ranged from 46 to 529cfu/100ml and 338 to 1578cfu/100ml respectively and were above the maximum permissible limit for WHO at all shallow wells. At borehole, the level of fecal coliform and total coliform was 2cfu/100ml and 20cfu/100ml respectively and were within the maximum permissible limit for MBS. The water quality index indicated that the water was highly contaminated in shallow wells hence it was not fit for human consumption without treatment and it also indicated that water was good at a borehole and fit for domestic purposes. Therefore, it is recommended that water from these sources should be treated before use for domestic purposes and government should be more effective in controlling the point source of pollution in the area.

Water samples were analyzed for 13 selected physicochemical and 2 biological parameters including turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, fluoride, carbonate, bicarbonate, alkalinity, total coliform and fecal coliform using standard methods recommended by APHA. The level of fecal coliform and total coliform ranged from 46 to 529cfu/100ml and 338 to 1578cfu/100ml respectively and were above the maximum permissible limit for WHO at all shallow wells. The water quality index indicated that the water was highly contaminated in shallow wells hence it was not fit for human consumption without treatment and it also indicated that water was good at a borehole and fit for domestic purposes. Therefore, it is recommended that water from these sources should be treated before use for domestic purposes and government should be more effective in controlling the point source of pollution in the area.

The study was conducted in Manase peri-urban area in the Southern region of Malawi specifically located at the Blantyre city south. Manase is a peri-urban area and highly populated with a compacted type of settlement. The area has access to piped water supplied by the Blantyre water board but the taps are most of the time dry due to water supply inconsistency and this leaves the people with no other option but to rely on groundwater sources as the main source of water available and accessible for domestic purposes including cooking and drinking and other sanitation purposes. It is for this reason; this study was conducted in Manase to assess water quality in shallow wells and boreholes for domestic purposes. Most shallow wells are owned by individuals and people pay for access to water from these shallow wells. Boreholes are owned by the community and people pay as well for them to access water.

District: Blantyre

Coordinates: -15.6817, 34.92535