Assessment of Water Quality in Rivers Used for Domestic Purposes in Lokoja, Kogi State

This study assesses the quality of water drawn from the Niger and Benue rivers for domestic use by riparian communities in Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Lokoja's location at the confluence of these two major rivers makes it a strategic water resource area, yet rising urban population, inadequate sewage infrastructure, and flood-related contamination events have raised concerns about the safety of river water accessed directly by low-income households. Water samples were collected from twelve river bank access points across Lokoja's riverside communities during both wet and dry seasons. Physicochemical parameters including pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, total dissolved solids, and heavy metal concentrations of lead and cadmium were measured against WHO and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality. Bacteriological analysis quantified total and faecal coliform counts. Household surveys with 200 residents documented water use patterns, treatment practices, and waterborne disease incidence in the preceding three months. Physicochemical results show turbidity and total dissolved solids exceeding permissible limits at eight of twelve sites during the wet season, driven by high suspended sediment loads from upstream catchment runoff. Faecal coliform counts exceed acceptable limits at all sites, indicating pervasive microbiological contamination. Lead concentrations at three sites adjacent to a scrap metal yard exceed permissible limits. Only 18 percent of households practice any form of water treatment. The study links high wet-season turbidity with elevated diarrhoeal disease reporting in survey communities. Recommendations include provision of community water kiosks with chlorination capability and public education on safe water storage. Keywords: water quality, river water, domestic use, Lokoja, microbiological contamination.