The impact of septic systems density and nearness to spring water points, on water quality
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Date
2017-01-18
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African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Abstract
Worldwide, 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean water and as a result, 2 million children die
annually due to preventable waterborne diseases. In Uganda, 440 Children die every week of
waterborne diseases. High prevalence of this death is reported in the peri urban areas. It is still unclear
however the causes of water pollution in the peri-urban areas. The improper use of onsite sanitation
facilities such as latrines and septic systems may lead to groundwater contamination. It is true that
drain field of septic system located too close to water point, and or over population of the septic
systems in a small area can lead to pollution of groundwater. Our study investigated the impact of
septic systems density and nearness to water points on spring water quality. Samples from 15 spring
wells were analysed for pH, nitrate and faecal coliform contamination. Locations and distances of
spring from septic systems were determined using global positioning system (GPS) device and ArcGIS
software, respectively. Water samples from all the spring wells had pH value less than 6.5, 66.7% had
faecal coliform and 53% had nitrate above 2 mg L-1. While sample from one of the springs had nitrate
concentration above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) standard of 10 mg L-
1. It was also noted that coliform counts and nitrate concentrations increases with increase in number
of septic systems surrounding the spring well. In addition, increase in distance between spring wells
and septic systems indicated decrease in both coliform counts and nitrate concentration. It is therefore
concluded that improper use of septic systems is one of the causes of groundwater pollution in the peri
urban areas. The study recommends treatments of water from groundwater sources, regular monitoring
of groundwater sources and proper design and siting of septic systems using more robust
methodologies.
Description
Keywords
Spring water quality, Septic systems density, Proximity to spring, Coliform, Nitrate
Citation
Arwenyo, B., Wasswa, J., Nyeko, M., & Kasozi, G. N. (2017). The impact of septic systems density and nearness to spring water points, on water quality. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 11(1), 11-18.