Evaluation of Groundwater Quality Utilizing the Water Quality Index: Case Study of Selected Springs in Kipkelion West Subcounty, Kericho County, Kenya

Water resources are under threat of contamination from anthropogenic and natural factors a scenario that is exacerbated by water scarcity. Communities such as the Kipkelion West Subcounty residents that heavily rely on springs for drinking water require a safeguard from gastrointestinal illness that are caused by consumption of contaminated spring water. The study evaluated groundwater quality from six select springs; namely, Chuboit, Sugutek and Kaplaba, Lelechwet, Siret and Kipmologit. The location of the springs was mapped by the use of a handheld GPS and QGIS. Water samples were analysed and the results used to develop Water Quality Indices. R software used to develop a predictive model. The average and range for the six springs for the physical parameters of turbidity was 3.45 NTU (±1.39) and 1.67-5.67 mg/L. pH was 7.88 (±0.45) and 7.33-8.50 while nitrates was 16.7 (±17.92) and 0.6-38.33 mg/L. Fluorides, total iron and calcium were 1.29 (±17.92) and 0.5- 1.57 mg/L, 0.16 (±0.09) and 0.03-0.29 mg/L, 29.1(±5.06) and 24-35.33 mg/L, respectively. Total hardness and total alkalinity were 322.61(±164.02) and 66-500.67 mg/L, 233.94 (±77.49) and 181.67-382.67 mg/L. Chlorides, sulphates and total viable count were 169.6 (±119.55) and 11.33-365.33 mg/L, 77.06 (±94.64) and 18-264.67 mg/L, 1.56 (±2.88) and 0-7.33 cfus/100 ml respectively. The Water Quality Indices provided Water Quality Status ranging from 'excellent' quality at Kipmologit spring to 'very poor' quality at Sugutek and Lelechwet springs. The residual vs. fitted graphical representation of the developed model showed a random distribution of the points, which is a requirement of a good model hence can be applied in predicting the water quality of the springs. The study recommends investigation of runoff pathways and implementation of springs' protection through fencing and good drainage and periodic testing of the water from the springs.