Assessment of Water Quality for domestic use in Ongata Rongai Area

Abstract

This report has been prepared after a successful assessment of water quality from various resources within Ongata Rongai and its environs. The study‟s primary objective was to assess water quality for domestic use within Ongata Rongai. The study involved collection of data from the various water resources identified that provide water for domestic use. These involved boreholes, river water, rain water and dam water. Historical water quality information was obtained from WRMA and WASREB databases. Sampling of water from the various water resources was done and later the samples were taken to the laboratory for examination where key physical, chemical and biological parameters of the water were tested. The analysis of the results was done based on the acceptable limits specified by the Kenya Standards for Drinking water (KS 459-1: 2007) and the determined values compared with the historical values. Out of all the tests carried out on the samples, most of the results obtained were within the recommended value in the KS and WHO Standards. Fluorides levels however stood out as 6 out of the 16 tested samples had fluorides levels higher than the recommended values. Fluorides had the least safe value of 10/16. Management of the indicators of pollution in groundwater is of great importance especially if the water is used for drinking. There is also a need for continued and regulated monitoring of water quality from this various resources studied. Under the leadership of WASREB, this can easily be affected. For the resources, WRMA should also strive to involve users in conservation of water resources to ensure sustainable use.