Analysis of Water Quality in Rural Boreholes Serving Communities in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health concern across rural Nigeria, with groundwater sourced from boreholes serving as the primary supply for millions of people in arid and semi-arid zones. This study analyses the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of borehole water serving twelve rural communities in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Water samples were collected from 24 boreholes across four Local Government Areas during both wet and dry seasons. Laboratory analyses measured pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, nitrate, iron, coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli concentrations against World Health Organisation and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality benchmarks. Survey interviews with 140 community members assessed perceptions of water safety and household treatment practices. Results show that 58 percent of sampled boreholes exceeded permissible limits for at least one parameter, with bacterial contamination detected in 42 percent of samples during the wet season. Elevated nitrate levels in communities proximate to livestock grazing areas suggest localised agricultural contamination. Household water treatment practices are limited, with fewer than 20 percent of respondents engaging in any form of treatment before consumption. Recommendations focus on borehole protection zones, community hygiene education, and routine water quality monitoring by the Sokoto State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency. Keywords: water quality, rural boreholes, groundwater contamination, Sokoto State, drinking water safety.