ASSESSMENT OF WELL WATER QUALITY IN ECWA STAFF LOCALITY, FARIN GADA, JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA.

The uncertainty in fresh water needs and human health impacts, make it important to assess the quality of our water sources, so as to improve its present status, as well as to help in treatment to meet the standard for drinking water. Water sample were collected from three Wells in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria, which were analyzed to determine the physiochemical and bacteriological parameters. The results obtained were compared with the limits set by the World Health Organization and Standard Organization of Nigeria. The results of the study of samples A, B, & C respectively are; temperature (31.1°C, 30.8°C and 30.7°C), pH (7.30, 7.50, and 7.40), turbidity (0.36, 0.35 and 0.34), alkalinity (80,100, and 60 mg/L), hardness (3.60, 6.40 and 6.40 mg/L). The following metals were determined; Pb, Cd, Zn, As, Cu, Fe and Hg. Arsenic, cadmium, iron and mercury had values above WHO specified maximum with a range of 0.028-0.088mg/mL, 0.050-0.850mg/mL, 0.325-0.462mg/mL and 0.017-0.070mg/mL respectively. These values indicate a slight risk to users. And the bacteriological quality assessed using multiple tube fermentation technique, confirmed the presence of Coliform bacteria. Samples A - C recorded (400, 4500 and 2000) coliforms per 100 mL of the samples respectively. The results were confirmed to be Escherichia Coli species by biochemical characterization. These assessments conclude that wells in this area are contaminated and unsafe for drinking. It is recommended that well water in the study area should be treated before drinking, sanitary laws should be enforced, in order to preserve the quality of fresh