Effect of Septic Tank Effluent on Water Quality from Hand-Dug Wells in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the effect of septic tank effluent on water quality from hand-dug wells in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria, using an empirical research design. Water samples were collected from hand-dug wells located at 5, 15, 25 and 30metres from septic-tanks. Forty water samples (2 for each distance) were collected and analysed for their physicochemical and biological characteristics. The analysis of the results showed that significant variations exists in the water quality parameters relative to approved water quality standard. The study observed that the water quality improved with increasing well distance to septic tanks at H = 125.218 > S 0.05, 3 = 7.815 at 0.05 level of significance. It was confirmed that the quality of water collected from sources between 5 and 15metres from septic tanks was not good for consumption. The paper recommends that shallow wells in the area be sited at a minimum of   25metres from septic systems and other possible sources of pollution, while also considering the slope distribution and superficial soil deposits in the area.