Determination of Water Quality Indices for Kofa Dam, Suleja, Nigeria

Abstract

Water quality can be affected by either natural or anthropogenic factors. In this study, Water quality indices of Kofa Dam were determined for drinking and irrigation purposes Water samples were analyzed for the selected physicochemical parameter (pH, Electrical conductivity, Chloride, Total dissolve solids, Salinity, Sulphate, Sodium, Nitrate, Calcium, Temperature, Turbidity and Bicarbonate). The results from the analysis were compared with the drinking and irrigation standards of NSDWQ, FAO and WHO. Also, the results in relation to the standards were used to compute indices for drinking and irrigation purposes using the weighted arithmetic index. The results of the physicochemical parameter from each of the sampling locations of Kofa Dam and the overall score show that the Dam failed the index. Therefore, the water is not suitable for drinking purpose. However, for irrigation purposes, the results of the indices show a need for caution in the usage of water. This suggests that anthropogenic activities such as farming around the Dam and the presence of residential houses which discharge their effluent into the Dam are already becoming a source of threat to the reservoir. Hence, there is a need for regulation of activities around the dam to prevent further deterioration of water.