Evaluation and Comparison of Water Qualityparameters from Fresh Water Surface Streams and Hand- Dug Wells in Isiokpo Community, Rivers State, Nigeria.

In order to establish the quality of water from two main sources of drinking water in Isiokpo community of Rivers State, water from six fresh water streams and four hand- dug wells were analysed for their physicochemical characteristics including levels of some heavy metals, using spectrophotometric and other standard methods.Mean levels of the characteristics were generally within acceptable limits of national and international standards.In both sources, however, pH values were lower than recommended standards. With the exception of Co and Mn in some of the sampling points, the metal levels were also below the permissible limits of these standards. From a chemical view point, the surface water source in Isiokpo may be considered as fit for human consumption. However, in view of the relative higher levels of Mn in the wells and the concomitant hazardous effects of prolonged exposure of the metal to humans, it is suggested that water from the wells be treated before it is collected . Keywords: Freshwater streams, hand-dug wells, physicochemical characteristics, heavy metals, Isiokpo