Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

Ground waters from open wells were investigated to ascertain the quality and suitability for irrigation and domestic activities at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Water samples collected from three wells were analysed for physical, chemical, and microbiological properties and labeled W₁, W₂, and W₃. The water sample from well 2 was slightly basic with pH value of 7.3, while water samples from well 1 and well 3 were slightly acidic with pH values of 6.9 and 6.7. Electrical conductivity (EC) were 400, 380 and 405 µScm^-1for well 1, wells 2 and 3 respectively, and total dissolve solids (TDS) of the water samples for well 1, wells 2 and 3 are 200 mg/l, 110 mg/l and 150 mg/l respectively, indicated low salinity according to WHO and FAO which specified 500 mg/l and 0 – 2000 mg/l for domestic and irrigation activities. Sodium absorption ratio (SAR) values for well 1, wells 2 and 3 are 0.89, 1.21 and 1.64, respectively indicated a low risk of sodium build up in the soils. The nitrate concentration for well 1, wells 2 and 3 are 0.07 mg/l, 0.11 mg/l, and 0.03 mg/l respectively in the samples was quite low, but fell within the safe limit of 50 mg/l and 30 mg/l set by WHO and FAO for domestic and irrigation activities. The results for the case studies indicated low water quality. The wells need appropriate treatment techniques for domestic use.