Development of Water Quality Index for Groundwater Sources in Kanduyi Sub County, Western, Kenya

Abstract

The increased demand for land to accommodate growing settlements, agricultural activities, coupled with the amplified utilization of chemicals to enhance crop yields, and the lack of adequate sanitation practices, have collectively contributed to the degradation of groundwater resources. The study analyzed the physio-chemical parameters of selected ground water sources (springs and wells) in Kanduyi, Bungoma County and developed the   groundwater quality index (WQI) using Weighted Arithmetic Mean cocept. The study randomly sampled eighty-nine wells (89) and ten springs (10), gauging their susceptibility to contamination in connection with human activities and potential risk elements.  From the study, it was found that 6% of the wells and 50% of the springs in the study area exhibited CWQI values falling between 38 and 50, categorizing them as 'good.' Conversely, a majority of the wells (58%) exhibited Water Quality Index values ranging from 103 to 458, rendering them unsuitable for consumption.