ASSESSMENT OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE RESIDENTS OF CORE SLUM IN ADO-EKITI

The work examines the drinking water quality and its implications on the residents of inner city slum of Ado-Ekiti. Reconnaissance survey was carried out to identify drinking water sources in the study area and water samples were purposively drawn from strategically located and most used drinking water sources in the area. The samples drawn were quickly taken to Federal Government Zonal Water Laboratory in Akure for immediate analysis. It was discovered that most residents source their drinking water from unprotected hand-dug- wells. The results of laboratory analysis revealed that water consumed has physical, chemical and microbiological contaminants that make the composite lives of the residents vulnerable to drinking water related hazards. The work also reveals that the water scheme under construction in the state and Ado-Ekiti in particular unexplainably did not cover the slum region. It was therefore recommended that all stake holders should ensure that the slum area is covered by the new water scheme under construction and in the interim, affordable, accessible and acceptable water treatment gargets/tools/materials be provides and environmental education should ensue. The work will be of immense benefits to policy makers, slum dwellers and academic community.