From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Water from underground source (borehole), at the Delta State Government, in Asaba, is not healthy for consumption and for domestic use if the testing and analysis conducted, on Thursday, by Emani Global Network Limited (EGNL), was anything to go by.
EGLN offers range of analytical and microbiological consulting service including water testing, regulatory compliance, manpower development and technical support in bio-pharmaceutical, food and allied industries.
Sample of the water was tested and analysed at the Unity Hall in Government House during the flag-off ceremony of Testing and Data Analysis of Water Sources in the state.
Addressing stakeholders after the testing and analysis of the sample of water drawn from the borehole in Government House, Principal Consultant of EGLN, Mr. Emmanuel Osiegbu said the water has unbalanced chemical components.
“Based on the analysis, we have issue with the PH which is 5.4. The normal PH is 6.5. The nitrate is high at 68. The normal nitrate component in water should not exceed 50. The color is clear, the iron level is okay. Every other component is normal except the PH and the nitrate,” he said.
He explained that the danger in the continued consumption of such water is the accumulation of these chemical compounds in the human system which may result in terminal ailments.
Mr. Osiegbu said the need to test the water was critical in order to help reduce the rate of water borne diseases among the people, saying that “l believe that a healthy nation is a productive nation and Delta State is one of the states in this nation that has embarked on this policy.”
Flagging-off the exercise, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa disclosed his administration’s commitment to provide sustainable water scheme for Deltans to ensure a healthy living for all, adding that water analysis would help determine the status of the quality of water consumed by Deltans.
Okowa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tam Brisibe said over 60% of Deltans depend on boreholes whose quality may not be quite safe for domestic, industrial or agricultural uses “because many chemical components and disease causing organism are found in boreholes. These harmful effects could result in diseases such as cancer, infertility among others.