Groundwater quality response to changes in season is documented in several studies. In this
study, seasonal variation in nitrate levels in hand dug wells in Makurdi metropolis is examined. A total of 15
water samples were collected from hand dug wells and analyzed for nitrate level for both wet and dry
seasons. The analysis was done according to standard method of water examination. The results of
analyses show that 80% of the wells have nitrate levels above WHO guide limit for drinking water for the wet
season as against 67% for the dry season. This implies that consumers of water from these hand dug wells
especially children stands a very high of metheamogolineamia. Generally nitrate level in these hand dug
wells were noted to be higher in wet season than in the dry season. Source of nitrate in these wells is
attributed to use of chemical fertilizers on farms, improper disposal of animal and human wastes and
influence of season. All land use activities capable of polluting water should be properly controlled. Water
from these wells may be used for other domestic purposes other than drinking. Boiling of water from these
should be encouraged to reduce the risk of contracting illness.