Urban Development Implications on Water Quality in Bamenda City, Cameroon

Urban development across the world significantly alters potable water quality. Urban wastes pose a pollution threat to water quality and supply. In Bamenda City, there is increasing alterations of water sources by pollution with inadequate capacity to manage the increasing demand for quality potable water. Large amounts of wastes are dumped in nearby drains and stream channels. This article aims to examine the implications of urban development on water quality, anchored on the premise that urban development significantly affects water quality in Bamenda City. A sample of 300 questionnaires were administered, complemented by field observations and secondary data sources. Water Laboratory Tests to determine biological parameters, Inorganic chemicals: Calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulfate, bicarbonate, nitrites, nitrates, phosphate and Heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, Mercury, copper, zinc, iron, aluminium based on WHO standards were done. Findings revealed Organoleptic properties for boreholes and well water were at acceptable limits and poses no danger. Physiochemical properties have pH values within the WHO acceptable limit (6.5-8.5), but higher in wet season (7.6) with concentrations of Na<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup>, Ca<sup>2+</sup>, Mg<sup>2+</sup>, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>, Cl<sup>-</sup>, and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> above the acceptable levels especially in wells, and streams. Probable number of bacteria per 100ml for the water ranged from 3-1100+, which is not at an acceptable standard due to urban pollution. Specific bacteria identified included <i>Enterobacteria spp, E. coli, Steptococcuss spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Staphylococcus spp and Vibrio spp</i>. This shows a strong relationship between urban development and potable water supply. Water quality increases with improvement in urban development planning especially as urban potable water is a major resource for urban health care and sanitation. Planned urban development can ensure sustainable water quality supply in urbanising communities.