Investigation of drinking water quality in shallow wells a case study of Buguruni in Dar es Salaam

The quality of groundwater is an essential factor in determining its suitability for water supply especially for human consumption. Residents of Buguruni area are reported to use unsafe water from shallow wells as a result of spreading of water borne diseases. The quality of drinking water from shallow wells in Buguruni area in Dar es Salaam was investigated; laboratory analysis of water was carried out and the level of both microbiological and chemical water contents in water was determined. Test samples that were collected from six different sites were taken to water laboratory using sterilized bottles. In laboratory experiments, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to test for lead, zinc and chromium; Ultraviolet Visible Spectrophotometer was used to test for chloride, nitrates and phosphorus; pH meter was used to test acidity and alkalinity. Water supplied by DAWASCO was found to have physical and chemical limits within the allowed standards by TBS because of treatment. For shallow wells the number of e-coli bacteria reached 350 per 100 ml, fecal bacteria reached 500 per 100 ml and total coliform bacteria reached 1000 per 100 ml. Lead content reached 28 times higher than the maximum recommended value. Chromium content was 3.6 times higher than the maximum recommended value. Nitrate content reached 2 times higher than the maximum recommended value. Conductivity was higher by 30% than the recommended value.Experimental results showed that water from shallow wells in the study area was not safe for human consumption due excessive chemical contents and high microbiological contents.