A hydrologist based in the Upper East Region, Richard Abaare, has cautioned against neglecting proper water quality testing and professional standards in borehole drilling, warning that lapses could expose communities to avoidable risks.
Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. Abaare said groundwater in the region is generally safe for domestic use but noted that local geological conditions, including high fluoride levels in some areas, can affect water quality if not properly assessed.
“The quality of the water is good enough. But in certain areas, the fluoride content is high. For example, in places like Bongo, you notice that some people have discoloured teeth. That is fluoride,” he said.
He stressed the need for proper testing before use to detect such issues early and guide communities to safer alternatives where necessary.
According to him, water samples should be collected using the correct procedures and tested in certified laboratories, including those operated by Ghana Water Limited and facilities in Tamale.
“You pick a sample following the right protocol to ensure it is not contaminated. Ghana Water has a lab, and there are other labs you can use to confirm whether the water is safe for drinking,” he said.
Mr. Abaare also raised concerns about the technical capacity of some borehole drillers, warning that poor practices can lead to failed water systems. He cited cases where boreholes initially produced water but later dried up due to inadequate assessment of groundwater sources.
He described such cases as “patch aquifers”, temporary or unreliable underground water pockets that may appear sustainable at first but fail over time.
“It comes for a while and stops. It is not a real aquifer that can sustain long-term supply. After some time, it dries up,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, he said the Upper East Region remains relatively favourable for groundwater availability compared to other parts of Ghana, with many boreholes successfully yielding water due to the area’s geological formations.
“In the Upper East, we are in a good area as far as groundwater is concerned. We do not have major issues like some other regions. That is why you see many boreholes across communities,” he said.
However, he warned that increasing reliance on groundwater without proper regulation could pose long-term sustainability risks.
He called for stronger monitoring of water abstraction and strict adherence to pumping test procedures to determine borehole capacity before installing pumps.
Mr. Abaare also highlighted the role of the Water Resources Commission in regulating borehole drilling, noting that drillers are required to obtain licences and comply with standards.
He recommended increased public education on water resource management, stricter regulation of private borehole drilling, and investment in alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting and small-town water systems.
He urged the public to engage certified professionals when drilling boreholes to avoid costly mistakes and long-term water supply failures.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
