Residents of Nanton-Zuo in Ghana still use contaminated dam water — MyJoyOnline
In the Nanton-Zuo community in Ghana, residents continue to draw water from a dam despite laboratory results showing significant microbiological contamination. As MyJoyOnline reports, the water is used for drinking, cooking, washing clothes and other household needs because alternative sources have not provided a stable supply.
Children sometimes go to the dam with containers even before school begins. According to residents, during rains, dirt, human waste and rubbish enter the reservoir, while cows, goats and dogs also use the dam.
Water analysis results
During an investigation published on April 10, 2025, JoyNews submitted a water sample from the dam for analysis to the Northern Region quality control department of the Ghana Water Company. It found that the physical and chemical indicators did not meet Ghana’s regulatory requirements.
The number of microorganisms in the sample was so high that it could not be counted: the laboratory report stated TNT — “too numerous to count.” Former regional water quality control manager Sulemana Alhassan said that prolonged consumption of untreated water could harm health.
Consultant urologist Akis Afoko, who reviewed the results, reported high levels of Salmonella and E. coli in the water. He called it extremely dangerous because of substantial bacterial contamination and said he had seen cases of severe diarrhea and typhoid-related complications among patients from the community.
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Boreholes and reconstruction plan
Residents say that over many years, more than 15 boreholes were drilled or attempted in the area, but most did not yield water. A new borehole does produce water, but local residents describe it as salty and say it does not lather well with soap.
Water resources development engineer Fadlu Rahman Mashod explained the failures by the area’s geology. According to him, there is little groundwater there, and the rock does not allow enough water to penetrate the soil and accumulate. Finding an aquifer, the engineer estimated, would require complex studies, modern equipment and deeper drilling, with no guarantee of success.
Green Gold proposes reconstructing the dam: clearing it of silt, strengthening the banks, installing a fence to limit animal access and reducing the entry of waste into the water. According to the organization’s executive director, Clement Matomasen, the system’s capacity could be increased from about 2 million to 6 million liters.
At the same time, water treatment and regular laboratory tests are needed for its safe use. A water pipeline has already been laid in Nanton-Zuo, but residents say no water has flowed through the pipes for more than five years. The Tamale Water Project is described as a long-term option and is expected to produce 135,000 cubic meters of treated water per day, but construction had not yet begun at the time of a November 2025 update.
