Iron Contamination of Shallow Wells in Makurdi Urban Area, Benue State, Nigeria

This study examines iron contamination of well water within Makurdi urban area. Water samples were collected from 15 wells and analysed for iron concentration as it affect the quality of drinking water. The analyses were done according to standard method of water examination. The results of the analyses show that 40% of wells studied exhibit elevated iron concentrations above the WHO limits for drinking water. The presence of iron in shallow wells of the study area may be traced to the local environment of the wells. These include: the geology, dissolution of iron minerals from rocks and soil, precipitation and run off, construction and agricultural activities. Although iron concentrations at objectionable levels were noted in some of the shallow wells, most residents were found using them for drinking and other domestic purposes, since the public water supply is generally inadequate and in most cases inaccessible. To reduce health risk some form of treatment like filtering and or reverse osmosis may be applied before use.