Abstract

The aim and purpose of this research work was to ascertain the seasonal variations in water quality at Kintampo. Thirty out of 200 hand-dug wells were random selected for the study. Three mechanized boreholes and treated water from the township supply system (34 sampling points) were also selected. The sampling was carried out on 15th October 2008, 20th December 2008, and 14th February 2009. Fifteen parameters analysed were colour, turbidity, temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total hardness, iron, chloride, calcium, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), faecal coliform, and Escherichia coli. Apart from temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids, which were analysed on site, all the other parameters were analysed at the Ghana Water Company’s Laboratory, Sunyani. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in the statistical analysis. Assessment of the physical properties of the water samples revealed that only temperature showed significant change (p = 0.012) within the study period. This may be attributed to the high daily temperatures averaging 35°C during these periods.For the chemical parameters, only pH of the water samples showed significant difference (p = 0.003). The probable cause was the increased infiltrating rain water in October and the absence of rainfall from November - February). Faecal coliform and E. coli (biological parameters) had significant changes (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002 respectively). These could be ascribed to the seasonal variation of recharge rate, faecal matter coming from poorly constructed and poorly sited latrines, and septic tanks, as well as dilapidated hand-dug wells.

Key words: Water quality, faecal coliform, aeration.