A Comparative Assessment of Water Quality Index (WQI) and Suitability of River Ase for Domestic Water Supply in Urban and Rural Communities in Southern Nigeria
Ushurhe Ochuko, Origho Thaddeus, Ohwohere – Asuma Oghenero, Ewhuwhe – Ezo John

Abstract
The study compares the water quality index and suitability of River Ase for domestic water supply in urban and rural communities situated along the course of the river. Water samples were collected from four communities between January 2011 and December 2011. Several physico-chemical and biological parameters were analysed in line with WHO (2010). The results showed that variation exist in the concentration of the physico-chemical parameters between urban and rural communities in the area as a result of anthropogenic activities of man. Thus, higher concentrations of pH were recorded in the urban communities when compared to the rural communities, as all other parameters were within the WHO (2010) threshold for drinking water quality. Also the urban communities recorded a lower water quality index (WQI) of between 20-50 as against the rural communities of between 51-70. The paper recommends the addition of alkaline materials to the water, routine monitoring of human activities and testing of the river water from time to time in order to address impairments and safeguard human health.

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