Small town water quality

This paper examined water-quality monitoring in two small towns’ water supply systems and unprotected wells in some selected communities. The systems were Bekwai and Juaso in the Ashanti Region. Water samples collected were tested to determine basic water-quality parameters. The main problem identified was the presence of bacteriological parameters; Escherichia coli, Salmonella and coliforms indicating the presence of micro-organisms in the water that are potentially harmful to human health. All physical and chemical parameters except iron were within the limits of theWHO guidelines. It is highly recommended that all small piped water supply schemes receive some form of post-chlorine treatment. Source protection should be done and hygienic conditions of the point sources improved.