Comparing Chemical Parameters Of Water From Hand-Dug Wells And Pipe-Borne Water At Begoro Ghana

Abstract Exploitation of groundwater through the construction of hand-dug wells is popular in several communities in Ghana. Groundwater from hand-dug wells is major source of drinking water for majority of the rural populace. This study assesses selected chemical water quality parameters in hand-dug wells and pipe borne water in Begoro in the Fanteakwa District. Water quality parameters including chloride nitrate total hardness and fluoride were analyzed in water samples from 5 hand dug wells and pipe-borne water in Begoro community using argentometric titration Spectrometric colorimetric and titration methods. The results were compared with the World Health Organization WHO standards for drinking water quality. Water in hand dug wells were moderately soft with values ranging from 51.0 to 89.0mgl while Pipe borne water was 50.0mgl. Nitrate concentrations in some hand dug wells and pipe borne water in the community were within acceptable levels 10.5-16.0mgl7.3mgl. Fluoride ion concentration was within the WHO standards for drinking water quality for hand-dug wells and pipe borne water respectively 0.58-0.90mgl0.50mgl. Water from the hand-dug wells and pipe borne water met WHO and Ghana Standards Authority GSA guidelines in all chemical parameters analyzed.