TITLE:
Concurrent Water Quality Assessment of Surface and Tap Water in Selected Communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana
AUTHORS:
Stephen Twumasi Annan, Felix Tetteh Kabutey, Vera Owusu Ansah, Bismark Yeboah Boasu, Prosper Deo-Donne Lumorh, Francis Adarkwah, Francis Kastro Kavi, Worlanyo Kwabena Agbosu
KEYWORDS:
Concurrent Water Assessment, Heavy Metal Contamination, Source-to-Tap Analysis, Public Health Risks, Water Safety Planning
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: The health of every individual depends on the availability of clean drinking water. The lack of potable drinking water, a resource essential for existence and development, is one of the most significant challenges of the twenty-first century. This study conducted an assessment of twelve trace and heavy metals in paired surface and tap water samples from eight communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Samples were collected weekly during the dry season (October-December 2025). The analysis of results revealed exceedances of WHO safe limits for Nickel (mean 0.162 mg/L) and Mercury (mean 0.002 mg/L), with localized rises of Lead and Manganese. Geospatial analysis indicated contamination hotspots associated with anthropogenic activities. One-way ANOVA confirmed significant statistical spatial variation (p p p