Assessment of Water Demand and Water Quality Status in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a huge challenge in developing regions, especially those facing population growth and industrial activities. The present study carried out an assessment of water demand and determined the physicochemical quality of major domestic water sources in 22 accessible communities of Eastern Obolo, a coastal area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The population projection indicated 59,970 persons in 2006 and 107,627, respectively, and thus increased the total water demand from 29.99 million L/day to 53.81 million L/day. Water samples from both surface and groundwater were collected and analyzed using standard ASTM and WHO procedures. Findings revealed widespread deterioration of water quality. pH, salinity, turbidity, TSS, TDS, and electrical conductivity frequently exceeded NSDWQ limits. Coastal communities exhibited high salinity, TDS, and EC due to seawater intrusion, while nitrate concentrations (69–72.5 mg/L) in agricultural areas were far above the EPA limit of 10 mg/L, reflecting fertilizer runoff. Sulfate levels reached 1200.5 mg/L in oil-producing areas. Heavy metals—including iron (0.21–0.72 mg/L), manganese (up to 0.44 mg/L), copper (up to 3.48 mg/L), and zinc (up to 5.76 mg/L)—also exceeded NSDWQ standards, linked to abandoned oil and gas facilities. Overall, the research indicates that most water sources are not safe for consumption without treatment in Eastern Obolo. In fact, the combined impacts of seawater intrusion, agricultural runoff, and petroleum-related contamination bring into focus the pressing demand for targeted purification and decentralized treatment solutions.