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| Quality Analysis of Water from Kitagata Hot Springs in Sheema District, Western Region, Uganda. |
Uche, Chikadibia K.A., Amgbara, Tamunokuro O., Birungi, Morice, Taremwa, Denis
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Abstract:
- The presence of water is a prerequisite condition for the existence and sustainability of life on the planet. Potable water is that which is fit for human and animal consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes. In Uganda, there is still an inadequate supply of potable water for the population. The objective of this study is to perform a quality analysis of water obtained from Kitagata Hot Springs, Sheema District, Western Uganda. The temperature at water source points was measured and an average temperature of 62.30C was obtained. Standard procedures and equipment as recommended by American Public Health Association were adopted for the analysis. Physical, Chemical and Biological parameters of water quality considered for the analysis include electrical conductivity, turbidity, colour, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, pH, iron, sulfates, nitrates, hardness, alkalinity, faecal coliforms, and e. coli. The result of the quality analysis of water samples showed average values as follows: electrical conductivity - 427.6 µS/cm, turbidity - 7 NTU, colour - 37.7 ptco, total suspended solids - 4.3 mg/l, total dissolved solids - 273.7 mg/l, pH - 5.63, iron - 0.4 mg/l, sulfates - 45 mg/l, nitrates - 4.1 mg/l, hardness - 86.3 mg/l, alkalinity - 58.3 mg/l, faecal coliforms - 2 CFU/100ml and e.coli - 0.67 CFU/100ml. The quality analysis revealed that 70% of the parameters had values that were not acceptable when compared to the Ugandan National Standards for potable water. From the foregoing, it is safe to conclude that water obtained from Kitagata hot springs does not satisfy the requirements to be considered as potable water. The study recommends the erection of physical barriers around the water source and the application of water treatment procedures to remediate the water and make it suitable for human consumption.
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