Abstract:

Surface water bodies have been identified as potential pathways to water-borne diseases primarily due to their susceptibility to contamination. In addition, rural communities in many developing countries utilise surface water as part or sole means of water supply due to its ease and proximity. This study assesses reservoir water quality and the health risk impact of Kiri dam. Water samples were collected and analysed from 52 sampling points along the reservoir. The results showed that colour (23.2 mg/L), turbidity (19.3 5mg/L), nitrate (124.40 mg/L), lead (0.11 mg/L), potassium (1.61 mg/L), phosphorus (0.07 mg/L), coliform count (13.86cfu m/L), and E. coli (6.47cfu m/L) were significantly above stipulated standards. In addition, human health risks showed severe risks for adults, children and infants, with nitrate constituting over 70% of non-carcinogenic health risks. Correlation indicates pH strongly correlates with nitrate, potassium, phosphate, calcium, lead, iron, coliform count, and E. coli. In addition, a strong positive correlation was also observed between turbidity-colour, turbidity-coliform count, and turbidity-E. Coli. The outcome suggests poor water quality, resulting in severe health concerns, particularly for children and infants. Surface water monitoring is therefore recommended, particularly within areas that solely depend on unprotected water sources for drinking.

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