Physicochemical analysis of selected borehole water in Osukuru sub-county, Tororo district.

Abstract

Groundwater is the major source of drinking water in many areas which is abstracted through domestic boreholes for domestic and industrial use. Effective water quality monitoring assists in checking the quality of water available for consumption. This study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical quality of borehole water parameters from domestic boreholes in Osukuru Sub-County, a phosphate mining area in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda where ground water is the main source of drinking water and provide treatment methods for water contaminants prevention. Eight water samples were collected randomly from eight selected boreholes in this community. The physicochemical parameters analyzed include pH, temperature, color, odor, taste, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, salinity and total hardness, using standard methods of analysis. Obtained results were compared with the World Health Organization standards (WHO), for drinking water. Treatment methods for domestic boreholes include; strictly observe proper sanitation (hygiene) around the vicinity of the boreholes and appropriate treatment should be done with respect to the important physicochemical parameters. For example, pH adjustment to raise the pH level using calcium carbonate filters; chlorinator is used to kill bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms that causes water borne diseases.