Degradation of water quality in a supply-driven water distribution system in Nigeria

This paper investigated the influence of the deterioration of water quality in processed potable water distributed to the public from the Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plant (LUD-WTP) in Abuja, Nigeria. Laboratory results revealed that the physiochemical parameters of the water samples were within the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). However, analysis of the bacteriological content of the water samples collected from locations serviced by the LUD-WTP revealed the presence of E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Klebsiella. Through water age simulation, the water distribution system in Abuja is supply-driven rather than demand-driven, which leads to an intermittent supply of water in certain areas. To prevent this issue, recommended chlorine booster locations be implemented at community tanks to re-chlorinate the water before distribution to consumers, and future designs should consider potential urban expansion.