COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF HANDDUG WELLS AND BOREHOLES DRINKING WATER IN ΑFΙΚΡΟ, ΕΒΟNYI STATE, NIGERIA

Safe drinking water remains a critical public health challenge in rural Nigeria, particularly in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, where communities rely on hand-dug wells and boreholes with minimal quality oversight. This study evaluated The Physico-Chemical and bacteriological quality of water from three hand-dug wells and three boreholes in Oziza, Ehugbo, and Unwana communities, using WHO and NSDWQ protocols. Samples were analyzed for turbidity, colour, pH, Nitrate concentration, total coliform count, and Escherichia coli presence, bench-marked against WHO (2022) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality NSDWQ, 2007). Results showed that physico-chemical parameters, including Nitrate levels (17.9-25.7 mg/L), were within permissible limits. However, microbial contamination was widespread, with total coliforms detected in all Sources (wells: 15.67 CFU/100 mL; boreholes: 12.33 CFU/100 mL) and E. coli present in all wells (2-5 CFU/100 mL) and one borehole (1 CFU/100 mL), exceeding the 0 CFU/100 ml. standard. Wells were more vulnerable due to shallow depths, poor sanitary protection, and surface runoff exposure, while boreholes showed lower but notable risks. These findings indicate that hand-dug wells are unsafe for direct consumption, and boreholes require treatment. Urgent intervention are needed, including community health education, enhanced well protection, regular water quality monitoring, and stricter borehole siting regulations. Recommendations include household water treatment (boiling or disinfection), well linings and covers, and robust local surveillance to ensure safe drinking water and protect public health