Suitability of Usuma Dam Water for Domestic Use in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The quality of water sources should be tested regularly for various parameters of interest to ensure it meet the standard qualities required for intended use(s). Thus, the suitability of Usuma dam water for domestic use in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Abuja was assessed. The objectives were to assess the properties of Usuma dam water and ascertain its suitability for domestic purpose. A total of thirty (30) water samples were fetched directly. Ten (10) samples each from upstream, downstream and middle were collected. Precautions were taken to prevent sample contamination. Data collected were analyzed as follows: The water properties was analyzed using range and mean, suitability of water properties for domestic purpose was  analyzed by comparing range and mean values with Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for domestic uses. Result showed that water sample were slight acidic (6.83), EC was low (122-180 µs/cm3), TDS (120-144 Mg/l), TSS (1.2-1.7 Mg/l, turbidity (0.29-5.37 Mg/l,) total hardness (7.18-40.46 Mg/l) DO (3.8-4.7 Mg/l), BOD (2.2-4.21 Mg/l), and (25.6-55.4 Mg/l). Minerals nutrients (Ca, Mg, Cl-,Na, K, NO-3 and PO-4. ) in water samples were lower than regulatory standard while heavy metals (Fe, Si, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Mn, F and B) were relatively higher than regulatory standard. It was concluded that water from Usuma dam are not safe for domestic purpose especially drinking.