Water resources utilization in Yenagoa, Central Niger Delta: Environmental and health implications

This study examined the groundwater in relation to the surface water quality analysis in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), Bayelsa State, Central Niger Delta. Groundwater samples were collected from the boreholes in the randomly selected communities namely Igbogene, Akenfa, Edepie, Swali, Biogbolo and Amarata and surface water samples from a point in Epie Creek that flows through the selected communities. These water samples were subjected to laboratory analyses for pH, conductivity, colour, total dissolve solids (TDS), total hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, sulphate, calcium, lead, copper, Total hydrocarbon content (THC), total coliform and faecal coliform. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze and explain the results obtained. The result showed that the pH in the study area was slightly alkaline with a mean of 7.3. The conductivity level of groundwater in the area was not significantly varied but it was very high in Igbogene and Biogbolo communities with 35 and 31 µS/cm, respectively. The mean values of considered parameters in groundwater were generally lower than that of surface water but the values in both were lower than the standard of World Health Organization (WHO). The results also showed that 78.3% agreed that water from both groundwater and surface water is used for domestic purpose while 18.3% for agricultural purpose. The study revealed that there is a positively direct and strong relationship between water treatment and occurrence of diseases. It is recommended that residents be educated more on groundwater and surface water management and laws should be promulgated as well as adoption of participatory management approach.   Key words: Water resources, water quality, utilization, health, Yenagoa.