Mustapha olajiday Thomas*
Groundwater remains a viable option to surface water development if efforts are intensified to address the bacteriological quality which studies have shown has been compromised by high levels of faecal coliform bacteria found particularly in wells dug into the shallow aquifer. Evidences are emerging from recent studies which seem to suggest that the problem may be much more pervasive than expected. Springs appear to be much easier to manage if used for community water supply. In this study, the feasibility of spring sources in providing potable water for hard to reach communities in rural and peri-urban communities is assessed. Surface manifestations of groundwater were identified in 17 communities in five districts in Sierra Leone. The discharge of each spring was measured in the late dry season when flow was at its minimum. The potential of the spring sources in providing sustainable drinking water for the communities was assessed by comparing the per capita supply of the springs as against the per capita demand of the population. Population data for the target communities were obtained from the latest census data which were later validated on the ground with the local authorities. The study has revealed that 88% of the springs investigated are viable sources of drinking water, with per capita water supply meeting or exceeding per capita demand for a design period of 10 years. It is recommended that spring boxes are designed to capture and store as much water from the eyes of the springs. The water must of necessity be disinfected before use to destroy any pathogens that may have been present in the waters. The spring water option, it has been shown, provides a better alternative to unprotected dug wells, especially in rural settings where income levels are insufficient to meet the running costs of surface water development schemes.
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