Groundwater and surface water quality in Lodwar and its environs, Turkana, Kenya

This dataset records the chemical composition and quality of groundwater and surface water samples collected in Lodwar and its environs, Turkana County, Kenya during one dry seasons (February 2019) and one wet season (May 2018). A total of 152 water samples were collected, including 94 groundwater samples from 53 handpumps and 41 boreholes during the 2018 wet season, and 58 re-sampled groundwater sites in February 2019. Geographical coordinates were recorded for all sampling sites, and field parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature were measured using a hand-held Combo Tester. Samples were filtered through 0.45 μm membrane filters and analyzed according to the APHA manual (1995). Laboratory analyses included turbidity, hardness, total alkalinity, major anions (HCO3, SO4, F, Cl, CO3, NO3, NO2), and cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn) at the Water Resources Authority’s Central Water Testing Laboratory in Nairobi. When the results were received, charge balance errors were calculated for groundwater and surface water samples. Charge balance errors were maintained within ±5% for groundwater samples, ensuring data reliability. During the analysis, groundwater samples were classified into aquifer categories: shallow aquifer, intermediate aquifer, and deep aquifer based on depth measurements. Seasonal variations in water chemistry were analyzed using discriminant function analysis. Geochemical results were compared with WHO and KEBS guidelines for drinking water quality.

Related publication: Tanui, F., Olago, D., Dulo, S. Ouma, G., & Kuria, Z. (2020). Hydrogeochemistry of a strategic alluvial aquifer system in a semi-arid setting and its implications for potable urban water supply: The Lodwar Alluvial Aquifer System (LAAS), Groundwater for Sustainable Development, Volume 11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100451

Tanui, F. (2021). Characterization of the Hydrogeology of the Lodwar Alluvial Aquifer System, Turkana County, Kenya. A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geology of the University of Nairobi.
http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/157075