This study evaluates the groundwater quality status of shallow groundwater in Ogbia, using water quality index (WQI) with a view to ascertain its suitability for domestic and industrial purposes. Groundwater samples were collected from thirty (30) functional boreholes within fifteen (I5) communities of the study area. These water samples were subjected to a comprehensive Physico-Chemical Analysis using standard methods. The water quality index (WQI) of the area was calculated using weighted arithmetic mean and statistical package for social science (SPSS) version I5, software. Seventeen (I7) chemical parameters were considered for the WQI calculation. The results revealed that I0% of the water samples were in the excellent category, 46.6% were in the good water category while 43.3% of the water samples were in the poor water category. The high value of the water quality index (WQI) has been found to be mainly from the higher values of Iron, phosphate, pH and electrical conductivity. Also from the result of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), it indicates that, the groundwater is not suitable for irrigation.
Keywords: Aquifer, Bayelsa State, Boreholes, Ogbia, Shallow Groundwater, Water Quality Index
