Water quality and pollution threats at selected recreational beaches in Nkumba Parish, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District

Abstract

Water quality is an important factor in ensuring public health and environmental protection, especially in shoreline areas where recreational activities take place. The purpose of this study was to analyze the water quality of chosen beaches in Nkumba parish, Katabi town council, Entebbe, in Wakiso district, in order to determine their suitability for recreation and identify any environmental hazards. The study was carried out on three randomly sampled beaches along Lake Victoria's shores in the Wakiso area. Water samples for all beaches were collected in the same sampling regime for one week taking an interval of 2 days. Key informant interviews were conducted to determine threats and assess possible measures for protecting water quality at the selected beach areas. The evaluation focused on the five basic indicators that indicate water quality, that’s to say: PH, Turbidity, Total suspended solids (TSS) and concentrations of important contaminants such nitrates and Fecal coliforms. Eco Beach had the highest levels of assessed potential biological water pollution parameters of (E. coli (21/100ml) and F. Coli (23/100ml) as well as electricity conductively (81S/cm). Botanical beach had the least level of water pollution. All these however, were below WHO red standards for recreational water purposes. Aero and Eco beaches had the highest average water turbidity of 8 (NTU), while Aero beach had the highest TSS of 6 TSS mg/l. The findings revealed differences in water quality among the selected beaches, while the pH levels were typically within acceptable ranges for recreational activities. Key informant revealed that planting vegetation along the shoreline of beaches could curtail pollution. This study highlights the potential causes of beach water contamination, pollution indicators and potential approaches for better beach water quality management, more research is recommended to investigate specific sources of pollution and to develop focused mitigation methods for long-term water quality improvement.

Key words: Water contamination, Pollution indicators, Quality Management, Standards.