Groundwater Quality and Septic Tank Interaction: an Assessment of Health Implication in Amamoma, Cape Coas

Abstract

Groundwater is the globe's largest and greatest vital source of potable fresh water. It provides drinking water to billions of people and is used to irrigate the majority of the global food supply. In spite of its importance and availability, groundwater is mostly polluted globally. Despite the fact that water from boreholes can be contaminated through different means, the most widely recognized reason for contamination is owing to its closeness of septic tanks. The central purpose main for this research is to assess groundwater interaction with septic tank and its health implications on residents of Amamoma community who is a resident of the community understudy. Structured questionnaire, laboratory test and in-depth interview guide were used to obtain data from residents and assembly man for the community. Forty-two water samples (42) were collected from seven selected groundwater sites in Amamoma. Sample of water was tested six-times period to examine quality using standard analytical procedure. Questionnaires were also administered to residents of Amamoma who use groundwater. The Assemblyman of the community was interviewed his views on the groundwater quality and water related diseases. The results showed that all the seven well contained high levels of total coliform, faecal coliform and E-coli, beyond the WHO recommended levels. It was further revealed that the shorter the distance between septic tank and groundwater sources, the higher the microbial load. As a result, the two most prevalent sanitation-related diseases in the community are diarrhoea and typhoid fever, with children being more vulnerable to suffer from such diseases. It is recommended that Community Water and Sanitation Agency should periodically track and offer remediation to improve the quality of water sources