Evaluation of the Extent of Consumption, Contamination and Management of Groundwater Resource in Isiohor, Ovia North East, Edo State, Nigeria

Groundwater consumption is increasing due to high susceptibility of contamination of other sources. In this study, the consumption, contamination and management of groundwater resource in Isiohor quarters in Edo State were evaluated. A total of 300 questionnaires were randomly administered and laboratory analysis was carried out to determine the physicochemical parameters of the water samples collected. The results obtained showed that 94.7% of the respondents depend on groundwater as against 5.3% that use harvested rainwater. 251(93.6%) of the respondents use at least 50 L of water daily for major domestic activities; 29% use rainwater as an alternative to borehole water and only 18.0% use 25 L of water daily during scarcity. Laboratory analysis revealed that Fe and SO4 exceeded SON permissible limits in both water sources while the harvested rain water were acidic and were not within the SON permissible range. The findings showed that groundwater consumption was high with poor management. The need for public awareness on efficient water consumption cannot be overemphasised.