Physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics of some streams and boreholes which supply drinking water to the inhabitants of Akamkpa and Calabar municipality were examined. The water samples collected from five streams and six boreholes (eleven sampling locations) were subjected to physico-chemical test and membrane filtration techniques. The physico-chemical parameters examined include pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, zinc, lead, dissolved solids, ammonium, nitrate, manganese and iron. Results from physico-chemical test showed that parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, odour, calcium, magnesium, nitrate and ammonium, for all the samples were lower than the WHO standard. Only two of the water supply sources (B1 and B4) met the WHO standard (for coliform count) for drinking water, as coliforms were isolated from other sources except the two. Water samples from streams had a significantly higher coliform (E. coli) counts (PÃ?â?¹Ã?â??0.05) compared to those collected from boreholes. The potential impacts of unsafe drinking water are discussed and recommendations to salvage the situation offered.
