Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using Water Quality Index and Geographic Information System in Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water managers are faced with issues of groundwater resources management in dry land environments characterized by increasing population growth and prolonged dry period. Pollution of such resources has become a problem of notable importance in many arid and semi-arid environments of the developing countries. Unplanned urbanization; industrialization coupled with an increase in agricultural expansion has adversely affected groundwater quality. This study provides an overview of the status of groundwater quality in Kumbotso L.G.A using Water Quality Index. Physico-chemical parameters of pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, calcium, and sulphate were measured from 12 groundwater samples. The results of the analysis were compared to the WHO standards to ascertain conformity with the guidelines. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed for mapping the distribution of various quality parameters as well as the overall groundwater quality condition. The overall map produced shows that 53.42km2 of the study area representing 33.81% were of excellent quality while 104.58km2 representing 66.19% of the area was found to be of good quality. Thus, a GIS based map developed can be a useful practical tool by water managers, policymakers and concerned communities in taking strategic decisions towards effective management of groundwater in the study area.