Groundwater quality in shallow unconfined sedimentary aquifers in Bida, Nigeria

A study on the water quality of unconfined shallow aquifers was conducted with the aim of assessing physicochemical and bacteriological contamination of groundwater as a result of poor design of water and sanitation facilities in Bida, Nigeria. The study was conducted using a grid-based approach on wells, boreholes, surface water and households. The water has a high Total Dissolved Solids. Slightly acidic pH and mean distance of wells to waste disposal facilities is 12m. Chemical parameters that occur in high concentrations are sulphates, chlorides, nitrates and sodium and total coliform is very high. Contamination of deeper sources of water from the dug wells is both lateral and vertical with contamination plume spreading to better planned areas. Surface water has the least contamination and is proposed for water supply. Sanitation facilities should be upgraded from pit to ventilated improved pit latrines.