Nitrate and bacteriological assessment of groundwater in Omaheke region, Namibia
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Date
2017
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
In Namibia, a large percentage of the population uses water from sources such as rivers, wells and boreholes. The quality and safety of such water sources is generally considered poor, and therefore is a potential health hazard. Groundwater in boreholes does not go through a treatment process and therefore the cleanliness of water is a major concern. The main objectives of the study were to analyze groundwater for nitrate and bacteriological content, i.e. total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Enterococci and E.coli, as well as evaluate sanitation practices. The study area included 8 farms on the C20 road to Aranos, Omaheke region. The nitrate and bacteriological results were compared with the guidelines for safe drinking water used by NamWater and World Health Organization (WHO). The results showed that Groot Ums was the only farm having water unfit for human consumption (Grade D), Cristiana 1 had water that had a moderate risk factor (Grade C) to human health, while the rest of the 6 farms had very safe drinking water (Grade A and B). Based on the findings, short and long-term recommendations on sanitation practices were made to help farmers with the current water situation.
Description
Keywords
Groundwater, Pollution, Nitrate, Rural settlement
Citation
Claasen, T., & Lewis, E. (2017). Nitrate and bacteriological assessment of groundwater in Omaheke region, Namibia. International Science & Technology Journal of Namibia, 10, 56-67.