Estimation of Hardness Level and Total Dissolved Solids in Ground Water at Shendi Town, River Nile State, Sudan

Abstract

Water is life but hardness in water is harmful to human health. This descriptive and analytical study was conducted to determine the levels of hardness and concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in drinking water in Shendi town of Sudan.  The drinking water samples of 150 (50 samples for each season) were collected from wells, distribution channels and storage facilities and tested per season. The analysis of these samples was done using photometer device to determine the water hardness and result is displayed as mg/l CaCO_3, while for estimation of TDS Conductivity / TDS meter and results were noted in parts per million (PPM).  The results of this study found that water hardness is found in 48%, 56% and 50% of tested samples during Summer, Autumn and Winter seasons respectively. While Water Quality Index (WQI) base on TDS showed that water quality is excellent and good in autumn and winter seasons, but unacceptable for drinking during the summer season. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Civil Water Corporation should improve the quality of drinking water by treating the water before supplying to the community.