Assessment of the quality of water resources in the Upper East Region, Ghana: a review

Abstract

Water is an indispensable resource for human health and social well-being. However, the quality of this critical resource is being threatened by both natural and anthropogenic sources. Surface and groundwater resources in the Upper East Region of Ghana are poorly managed and monitored. The water resources in this part of Ghana are contaminated with coliforms, toxic trace metals, and agrochemicals. Most of the parameters for drinking water quality are seriously being violated in various parts of the region. The major sources of surface water and groundwater pollution in the region are the dissolution of minerals, the widespread application of agrochemicals on farms, biological contamination resulting from human and animal fecal matter due to open defecation and mining activities. These have resulted in diverse health-related problems in the region since the contaminated water sources are the only drinking water supplies for rural folks. Fluoride contamination of the groundwater resources is also a major problem in the region, especially in the Bongo District and the Bolgatanga Municipality, which has resulted in cases of dental fluorosis in these parts of the region. There exists no comprehensive review on the water quality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Therefore, this review is aimed at discussing the quality of the water resources in the region from previously published works in various parts of the region. The review highlights the major pollutants, pollution sources, and the associated health problems. Recommendations have been offered based on the findings to serve as a framework for policy-making in regard to the water resources in the region.