SPATIAL OVERVIEW OF THE QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER IN SOME SELECTED DISTRICTS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The quality of any water for drinking purposes has grave consequences on the health and wellbeing of humans. As a result, the monitoring of groundwater in any region is crucial. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to monitor the quality of groundwater in any area with respect to time and space to avoid health challenges that may be encountered. This study aimed to access the quality of groundwater in three districts in the Northern Region of Ghana using GIS. Water quality data of 254 boreholes from the three districts were used for this study, for which the following parameters were considered: Fluoride, Chloride, Manganese and Iron. The GPS coordinates of the boreholes were used to produce a spatial distribution map using Geographic Information Systems (Arc GIS Version 9.3) in detailing the selected water quality attributes in the three districts. Fluoride concentration in Gushiegu was very high in the central part of the district. Savelugu-Nanton also had high concentrations of fluoride scattered within the district. It is recommended in communities where the groundwater was not suitable for drinking purposes, it may be used for agricultural purposes, or the water be treated before use.