Water Quality of the Kpong Headpond

ABSTRACT

The Kpong Headpond was formed in 1982 when the Lower Volta River was dammed at

Akuse. The main uses of the water in the Headpond are for hydroelectric power

generation, domestic and industrial use and for irrigation. Several activities however, tend

to put this body of water at risk of pollution. These include poor waste disposal, poor

farming practices and extensive human and animal contact with the water. An eightmonth

field study was undertaken to monitor the water quality of the Kpong Headpond

and the impact of the surrounding lakeside communities on the water quality. The study

involved physicochemical and bacteriological analysis as well as macroinvertebrate

analysis and social surveys. The study identified two potential point sources of pollution

to the Kpong Headpond. These are the Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) effluent

discharge and the Akosombo Sewage Treatment Plant (ASTP) effluent discharge. The

general water quality in terms of physicochemistry was satisfactory. With the exception

of one site (which received ATL effluent), the parameters measured at all the other sites

fluctuated within the limits expected in similar freshwater bodies. ATL effluent had a

drastic impact on the water quality at the site of discharge, which include low oxygen

levels, high nutrient concentrations, high alkalinity, high conductivity and high turbidity

values. The ASTP outfall was also identified to be a major source of nutrients and

coliform bacteria to the Headpond. All the sites were contaminated with feacal coliform,

an indication of the probable presence of pathogens. The social survey of the lakeside

communities revealed that most of the settlements lacked basic sanitation facilities like

toilets and appropriate refuse disposal sites.