ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES, COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCINCE AND HUMANTIES ,DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY ANDENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Abstract

Water plays a crucial role in the development and sustenance of all living things on the Earth. However, such crucial natural resources have been frequently disturbed by anthropogenic activities like agricultural practices, poor municipal waste management, and poor buffer zone management. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality in the study area. To meet the study objectives, descriptive survey design was adopted. So, simple random sampling produces were utilized. To supplement and bridge household survey data, interview, field observation and water quality analysis were utilized. For water quality laboratory analysis the researcher followed WHO guideline of (2008) surface water analysis guideline. The finding revealed that, the main causes of pollution of Womba River were the introduction of uncontrolled solid waste, untreated sewerage effluent or channeling of un treated sewage into the river, release of defecation along the courses and discharge of untreated domestic effluents into the river. The Womba River water was subjected to physical, chemical and biological disturbance due to pollution. According to the study, the Womba river water did not meet WHO drinking water standard as well as the surface water standard of Ethiopia. Faucal count for water sample collected at all sampling points was serious above 467/100L and had exceeded the WHO/USEPA water quality guidelines of 0/100l and which indicates pollution from human sources. The pollution of Womba River reduces its water quality and has human health effects on people who consume it for various needs in the study area/ Sawla town. Continuous public education was recommended to enhance environmentalmanagement awareness to the residents of Sawla town.