An Assessment of the groundwater quality variations with Land use in Chirichiro catchment, Upper Gucha drainage basin

Abstract

The thesis is looking at an assessment of ground water quality variations with landuse and time in parts of Chirichiro Catchment of upper Gucha drainage basin covering an area approximately 55 km2. A total of 28 sampled were randomly taken for the study eight wells were sampled three times from each laud use type (Agriculture, settlements and forestry), for gravimetric, volumetric, flame-photometric and spectophomectric laboratory analyses at the Ministry of Water development. The results are compared with the WHO water quality guideline and it was found out that the quality or water is suitable for various uses against the inhabitants' suspicions that had rendered these source unacceptable. Observed deviations in colour and turbidity is insignificant as far as domestic water quality is concerned. There was a strong relationship between ground water quality and land use is strongly evident from ground water corresponding to bare agricultural fields where high levels or colour, turbidity, nitrite and Sodium were recorded. A strong relationship is observed between groundwater quality and seasons with wet seasons recording water of a pourer quality as compared to the dry Season. The study concluded that the ground water source in the catchment is suitable for various uses in terms or physical and chemical quality. However, for maximum security, the water can be treated using solar radiation method, chlorine, sand filtration and boiling of water before it is subjected to any use.