Drinking Water Surveillance of a Growing Community in Osun State, Nigeria

This study focuses attention on the examination of the quality of drinking water in Ipetumodu and Yakoyo Communities in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Based on the population, geographical spread and physical observations, structured questionnaires were administered on the residents to determine the various drinking water sources. Nine sources of drinkable water were identified and samples were taken from them to determine their physical, chemical and bacteriological characteristics. The Physical analysis revealed total solid and^turbidity values (of the sampled water) of 100mg/L–860.0mg/L, and 3.5NTU–20.5NTU respectively. The chemical analysis shows hardness, alkalinity, P^H and chlorides values of 13.5mg/L–270.2mg/L, 3.5mg/L–21.2mg/L, 6.3–8.5 and 10.0mg/L–20.0mg/L respectively while the bacteriological analysis revealed the absence of coliform in the water samples collected from three out of the nine drinkable water sources. The paper concluded that imminent outbreak of water borne diseases can not be ruled out and it recommended that both the Local and State Government should work harmoniously towards ensuring the provision of potable water to the nook and crannies of the state because health is wealth.