EVALUATION OF BOREHOLE PERFORMANCE IN GASHAU, YOBE STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Water is one of the valuable natural resources whose quality and quantity has vital concern for the human welfare. This study is aimed at evaluating the performance (yield) of selected boreholes in Gashua, Yobe State, analyse the efficiency of the boreholes and examine the physio-chemical parameters of the boreholes. A total of twenty (20) boreholes were selected in the study area. The study includes among others the determination of the general performance of the selected boreholes. Bacteriological and physio-chemical parameters analysing and investigating the various causes of their abandonment and/or poor performance of those boreholes at various locations. Result revealed that 100% of the boreholes were productive while 0% was abandoned. Among the productive ones, it was further found out that their performances on average is 35.3% efficiency for the 20 boreholes. The observed cause of low yield was due to hydrogeological, technical/constructional and operations/maintenance factors. Based on the findings, suggestions were made with a view to provide lasting solutions to the identified problems so that the supply can meet the demand of the increasing population and that of industrial and agricultural development. Also the result from bacteriological and physio-chemical properties of the boreholes were compared with WHO and NSDWQ which showed that the physio-chemical quality of water within the study area was mostly within acceptable limits. Bacteriological assessment within the study area ranged within (CFU/100ml). These results could be attributed to the activities going on in this area with respect to the presence of large scale upland and irrigated farm land which may introduce leaching fertilizer into the river so also the presence of traditional potash mining sites. Conclusively, the results of the analysis of the twenty samples from various locations in Gashua, Yobe State showed that the physical and chemical parameters of most of the water samples were within the acceptable limit of the WHO and NSDWQ. While the bacteriological parameters determined exceeded the acceptable limits, suggesting that the water samples may be contaminated bacteriologically.