The water quality characteristics of Noigameget brook of the upper Nzoia river basin

Abstract

People world over recognize that freshwater is a finite resource that is essential for economic growth and life sustenance. However, the management of water resources is facing increasing challenges due to unsustainable exploitation regimes that have brought forth the spatial and temporal variation of the water quality content of the river water. The study aimed to determine the chemical, physical and bacteriological quality of water in the Noigameget River basin located in Trans Nzoia District, Kenya. The study aimed at establishing how suitable the water was for drinking, agriculture, industrial and recreational purposes. Further, the study aimed at determining the impact of land use and hydrological changes on water quality and to classify Noigameget River water using a standard water quality index. The study also sought to determine the spatial and temporal variation of representative water quality parameters including factors influencing their variability.