Groundwater Quality Assessment Using Water Quality Index in a Peri-Urban Community of Southern Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater serves as the principal source of domestic water supply in Kafanchan Municipal Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria; however, limited information on its physicochemical and microbiological quality constrains effective water resource management and public health planning. This study provides an integrated assessment of groundwater quality using physicochemical, bacteriological, and Water Quality Index (WQI) approaches. Ten groundwater samples comprising five boreholes and five hand-dug wells were analysed for pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate, chloride, and microbiological indicators, including total aerobic count (TAC), total faecal count, and total coliform count. Compliance with World Health Organization and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality standards was evaluated. Independent-samples t -tests and the weighted arithmetic WQI method were employed to assess water quality differences and overall suitability. Results showed that well water contained significantly higher turbidity, TDS, EC, nitrate, chloride, TAC, and organic pollution indicators than borehole water ( p < 0.05). Pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae , were detected in both water sources. WQI values ranged from 124.84 to 188.31 for boreholes, classifying them as poor, while well water recorded WQI values of 290.21–450.15, indicating very poor to unsuitable quality for drinking. These findings underscore the need for routine groundwater monitoring, source protection, household water treatment, and improved sanitation to safeguard public health and support Sustainable Development Goal 6.