Assessing the Influence of Hand-Dug Well Features and Management on Water Quality

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Hydrogeology

Background:

• Underground water quality is susceptible to natural and anthropogenic influences.
• Hand-dug wells are critical water sources in many communities, but their management and characteristics can compromise water safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of hand-dug well management and characteristics on water quality in Kumasi, Ghana.
• To identify key factors contributing to underground water contamination from hand-dug wells.

Main Methods:

• Employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research.
• Utilized descriptive statistics, box plots, factor analysis, cluster analysis, Cramer's V correlation, ANOVA, and logistic regression.
• Assessed physicochemical parameters (TDS, EC, Turbidity, DO, Temperature) and microbial contamination (E. coli, coliforms).

Main Results:

• Increasing turbidity, linked to unmaintained well covers, significantly degrades water quality (P < .05).
• Over 80% of wells were near pollution sources, with high rates of unmaintained covers, plastic bucket/rope use, defective linings, and apron fissures.
• Microbial contamination (E. coli, Total/Faecal coliforms) rendered wells unpotable; factor analysis identified organic decomposition as a major factor.

Conclusions:

• Proximity to human settlements and poor well maintenance are primary drivers of underground water contamination.
• Established well construction and maintenance standards are essential to mitigate contamination risks.
• Promoting best practices in hand-dug well management is vital for ensuring safe drinking water.