Sanitary Condition and Characteristics of Borehole Water Samples in Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu, Nigeria

In Ijebu-Ode, borehole water is the most reliable and readily available source of water for various households. Although borehole water (groundwater) quality has generally been considered adequate for consumption, poor siting and management of a borehole can pose potential risks to consumers. For instance, a short distance from sources of contamination, poor sanitation, and waste management can eventually contaminate the water, jeopardizing consumers’ health. Water samples from six boreholes in Ogun State College of Health Technology campus were analyzed for: pH, color, turbidity, total dissolved solids, hardness, iron, manganese, zinc, sulfate (SO₄²⁻), lead (Pb), chloride (Cl⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), and E. coli, Salmonella, and total viable count for microbiological parameters. A sanitary survey form was also used to determine the potential risks associated with the contamination of the boreholes. The data collected were summarized with descriptive statistics. The results showed that turbidity (13 NTU), iron (1.6 mg/l), manganese (3.03 mg/l), hardness (245.5 mg/l), and zinc (23.8 mg/l) exceeded the WHO standard, but nitrate and lead values were within WHO standards. E. coli and Salmonella were not detected, and the risk scores were between low and intermediate. The study concluded that the boreholes had improved sanitation, and the water is fit for consumption with minimal threat to health. Therefore, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the borehole water to maintain and sustain the quality of the borehole water sources.