Abstract

The assessment of the quality of available groundwater in a certain area is indispensable for the development of human beings in every sector. This study conducted in 2010 assessed the groundwater quality of former Lake Haramaya area to check its suitability for domestic purpose. Primary data were collected from triplicate samples of six sources for physical, chemical and biological analysis. Based on the physical analysis, the pH was within World Health Organization (WHO) standard unlike 33.3% turbidity which was above the WHO guideline. The total dissolved solids (TDS) value indicated that the groundwater is classified as fresh water. The total hardness, concentrations of Iron (Fe²⁺) and manganese (Mn²⁺) ions in the groundwater are in the recommended interval. However, 50 and 33.3% of the samples are above WHO recommendation for fluoride (F‾) and nitrate respectively. The microbiological result indicates that treatment is necessary for 83.3% of the samples. Therefore, attention shall be given for source protection than complicated treatment procedures. In these regard a strong control and management system shall be introduced by establishing a committee who have a stake on the resource. Though, ground water source is safer compared to other sources of water, the study indicated the importance to conduct regular quality monitoring and treatment before use.

Key words: Drinking water, groundwater, Lake Haramaya, physical-chemical-biological parameters, well water.