Chemical Analysis of Drinking Water from Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Rural Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Rainwater harvesting is widely practised in rural communities of Taraba State where piped water supply is largely absent, yet the chemical safety of harvested rainwater stored in various container types is rarely evaluated. This study analyses the chemical quality of rainwater collected through rooftop harvesting systems in ten rural communities across three local government areas of Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Samples are collected from polyethylene tanks, galvanised iron tanks, and earthenware pots representing the most common storage types in the region. Parameters determined include pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, nitrate, sulphate, chloride, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and lead. Analytical methods follow standard procedures for water quality assessment. The study investigates the influence of tank material and storage duration on chemical composition using two-way analysis of variance. Results are compared against World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water quality. First-flush contamination effects are assessed by collecting samples immediately after rainfall onset and after a two-minute initial runoff period. Results are expected to reveal elevated metal concentrations in water from galvanised iron tanks attributable to zinc and iron corrosion. Findings contribute practical guidance for safe rainwater harvesting in rural North East Nigeria and support community water safety planning. Keywords: rainwater harvesting, drinking water quality, Taraba State, heavy metals, rural communities