To assess the quality of groundwater in Aba Metropolis for domestic and drinking purposes, the physico-chemical and microbial status of the groundwater were studied. Groundwater samples were collected from eight stations within the Metropolis for analysis. Comparing the concentration of the chemical constituents with WHO (World Health Organization) drinking water standards of 2004, the status of groundwater is satisfactory for drinking and domestic purposes. The concentration of heavy metals such as Zinc (Zn) in wells GW 5 and GW 6; and that of Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) in GW 8 were below permissible limit, and are found to be associated with the depth of the aquifer. The high Chloride content of GW 4 is attributable to the nature of the industry within the area, while the presence of Lead (Pb) in GW 3 though below permissible limit is a great concern because of long term accumulative health problems. Also, values obtained for Fe exceeded the WHO permissible limits for safe drinking water in some samples. Further microbiological analysis reveals low microbial load but health-watch concern. Recommendations on the strategies to reduce/eliminate some of these pollutants were made.
