COMPARISON OF WATER QUALITY BETWEEN BOREHOLE WATER AND SACHET WATER IN KATSINA METROPOLIS

Abstract This study compares the quality of borehole water and sachet water in Katsina Metropolis based on physical and chemical parameters, with an emphasis on statistical analysis to evaluate their compliance with WHO and NIS standards. Key parameters analyzed include pH, turbidity, nitrate concentration, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The results showed that sachet water exhibited better compliance overall, with a mean pH of 6.8 ± 0.3, which was closer to the neutral range compared to borehole water (7.2 ± 0.3). Turbidity and nitrate levels in sachet water (2.3 ± 0.8 NTU and 22.1 ± 4.3 mg/L, respectively) were significantly lower than those in borehole water (6.5 ± 1.2 NTU and 40.1 ± 6.0 mg/L), indicating superior treatment and filtration processes for sachet water. Statistical analysis using the independent sample t-test revealed significant differences in key parameters between the two water sources, with p-values less than 0.05 in most cases. Furthermore, the Water Quality Index (WQI) categorized sachet water as "good quality" (85.3), while borehole water was rated as "moderate quality" (74.5). These findings underscore the importance of improved treatment methods and stricter quality control for borehole water to meet safety standards and ensure its suitability for consumption. This study provides essential data for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance water quality management in Katsina Metropolis.