Browsing by Author "KALIMANSHI, Winfredah"

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    Effects of Siting Boreholes and Septic Tanks on Groundwater Quality in Meanwood Kwamwena, Chongwe DIstrict of Lusaka Province
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KALIMANSHI, Winfredah
    Rapid population growth and the urban influx have in recent years strained the ability of the local authorities in Lusaka Province to provide water and sanitation infrastructure, as the demand for water supply and sanitation services has excessively increased. This study aimed to assess the effect of siting boreholes and septic tanks in the same area on the quality of groundwater in Meanwood Kwamwena Township. The study used a Mixed-methods approach - a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 30 households were purposively selected in Meanwood Kwamwena. Water samples from boreholes were collected and sent to the University of Zambia Environmental Engineering laboratory for further analysis. The selected households were scattered across the whole of Meanwood Kwamena to have true representative samples. Distances of boreholes from septic tanks were determined using a tape. Analysed parameters included: pH, conductivity, Nitrates (NO3), sulphates, Ammonia, Calcium, Magnesium, total hardness, Calcium hardness, total coliforms and faecal coliforms. The parameters analysed were those relevant to the assessment of water contamination by septic tank effluents. The findings from the study suggested that there was no elemental (chemical parameters) contamination as all the samples analysed satisfied the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. However, the bacteriological analysis, indicated some level of contamination. Of the total samples submitted, 6.7%, representing a household had presence of faecal matter in the water confirming the seepage of septic tanks into ground water. results Distance between the borehole and septic tank did not influence the contamination of ground water. Ground water contamination has no significant consequences on the overall health of people in Meanwood. It therefore calls for local authorities to seriously consider putting stringent management measures to protect human health and the environment