Quality status of sources of drinking water supply in Gombe metropolis was investigated
and was found to have generally improved significantly within the last decade as a result
of intervention of the State, Federal Government of Nigeria and international agencies
such as the UNICEF/DFID. The study revealed that groundwater (borehole, hand pump
well) is the largest source of drinking water in Gombe metropolis and only about 36% of
the metropolis has direct access to treated drinking water. The quality status of the
drinking water sources analysed revealed that in comparison with the USEPA reference
standard, drinking water in Gombe metropolis is generally within acceptable limits.
Sustainability and management of drinking water sources in the metropolis would depend
on the improvement of sanitation status around public water supply, regular monitoring by
responsible authorities to ensure safety of drinking water supply in Gombe Metropolis.