Nyagatare District is increasing water testing, repairing old boreholes and investing in new water projects after a study found that many boreholes used by residents contain harmful bacteria and high levels of fluoride. The study, carried out researchers from Lund University and the University of Rwanda, tested water samples from 48 boreholes and found that 46 contained harmful microorganisms, while 32 had fluoride levels above the recommended limit. The researchers visited 61 out of 140 boreholes set up across the district. The findings are important because many people in Nyagatare depend on boreholes for drinking water. According to the study, 24 percent of households use boreholes and tube wells, making the district the most dependent on groundwater in Rwanda. The researchers found that many boreholes had poor sanitation around them. This allows germs to enter the water even when it still looks clean. The study also found high fluoride levels in many boreholes. Exposure to high levels of fluoride over a long time can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that makes teeth become yellow or stained. Other effects may include neurological issues. The researchers recorded fluoride levels of up to 8.8 milligrams per litre, much higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 1.5 milligrams per litre. According to Dismas Kagorora, a resident of Rwimiyaga Sector, many locals think clean water is safe to drink. We believe water is safe because it looks clean, but using borehole water sometimes raises concerns because residents wash clothes near the source buffer, he said. For Mutesi Kamatenesi Muhongerwa, a resident of Karangazi Sector, the findings reminded her of what happened to her children. When my children started growing up with yellow teeth, I did not know what was causing it because I always made sure they brushed them. When I asked at our health centre, they advised me to boil the water because the problem might be linked to the water we use, she said. Although the researchers do not conclude that stained teeth must be a direct result of the water locals consume, they highlight that fluoride levels found in their samples show why regular testing is important. The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) said it would take steps to make borehole water safer. We fence off water source catchment areas to protect them. We also ask residents to protect boreholes and other water facilities, said Eric Munyaneza, the head of WASAC Nyagatare branch. He said they plan to increase testing for chemicals such as fluoride and nitrate. Where high levels are found, we will introduce measures such as water treatment while we wait for bigger water projects to be completed, he said. Before any new borehole is drilled, Munyaneza said, WASAC technicians tests the water quality to make sure it is safe for domestic use. He said they were also working to improve water infrastructure. The utility company plans to repair or replace about 50 old boreholes with support from development partners. The government is also investing in bigger water projects. The Ngoma River Water Supply Project is expected to provide 12,000 cubic metres of treated water every day, while the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam will add another 50,000 cubic metres. These projects will go a long way in solving water shortages, Munyaneza said. Cirrently, 78 percent of Nyagatare residents have access to safe water, and that number is expected to increase as the new projects are completed. The researchers said boreholes will remian important as droughts continue to affect Eastern Province. They recommend sanitation awareness to make sure people treat water before they use it to minimise impurities, such as germs or harmful chemicals. They also recommend the protection of water sources, test water regularly and invest in clean water systems.
