Environmental Health Assessment of Water Quality in Hand-Dug Wells Used by Households in Imo State, South East Nigeria

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health challenge in South East Nigeria, where reliance on hand-dug wells is widespread in the absence of reliable pipe-borne water supply. This study conducts an environmental health assessment of water quality in hand-dug wells utilised by households in rural communities of Imo State. A cross-sectional, observational design is used, with 40 wells selected through purposive sampling from eight communities across four local government areas. Physical, chemical, and microbiological water quality parameters including pH, turbidity, nitrate, total dissolved solids, faecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli are analysed using standard laboratory methods as per WHO and NAFDAC guidelines. Household questionnaires capture data on well maintenance practices, protective covers, proximity to latrines, and water treatment behaviour. Descriptive and inferential statistics are applied, with analysis of variance used to compare contamination levels across communities. Literature indicates that over 60 percent of hand-dug wells in South East Nigeria do not meet WHO microbiological drinking water standards, posing acute and chronic health risks. The study is framed using the Environmental Health Risk Assessment model. Findings will guide Imo State's Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency in implementing well-protection guidelines and community water safety plans. Keywords: water quality, hand-dug wells, environmental health, household drinking water, Imo State.