Assessment of groundwater quality of wells sited in close proximity to Waste Management Systems in Ahanta West District-Ghana

The study investigated the physico-chemical and bacteriological qualities of water from wells sited in close proximity to waste management systems in the Ahanta West District. GPS was used to determine the geographical location of wells and waste management system. The physic-chemical and bacteriological parameter of samples of water taken from these wells were determined at the laboratoryand compared with the WHO guideline values for drinking water. Analysis of the results of the study revealed a total of 107 wells geographically located at Agona, Adjoa, Beahu, Apowa, Funko, Bokro and Ewusiejoe in the district. Out of the eight wells analysed, samples A, C and D were less than 20m from a waste management system, samples B and E located more than 20m but less than 50m and samples F,G and G located more 100m from a waste management system. The study also showed that, all the selected communities use well water for domestic purposes. 25% of the total inhabitants complained of skin itches after bathing and 7.5% experiences some form of stomach upset after drinking. The study further revealed that, pH of samples B, C, F, G and H were acidic. Samples A and D recorded high nitrate levels.More so, all the samples were positive to Total coliform count and faecal coliform affecting the quality of the water for human consumption. E.coli results were also positive for all the eight samples. It was concluded that water from these wells must be treated before usage.