Assessment of Efficiency of Water Quality Management along Mzinga River

Water is considered as fundamental to development due to its contribution to economic growth and human welfare. If there is no good management of human activities such as agriculture, domestic, car washing, industrial wastes, water sources might be polluted. This study has been designed to assess the efficiency of water quality management along Mzinga river. Specifically, the study assessed (i) the current status of water quality from Mzinga river base on physical, chemical and biological parameters, (ii) the compliance of communities with water resources management needs and (iii) the implementation of the aspects of Tanzania National water policy for water quality management. Laboratory Analysis of water samples, Questionnaires, Structured Interview Guide as well as Physical observation were used to collect Primary data. Secondary data were collected from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and different reports on the website. Data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The measured results showed that Mzinga River pollution has increased based on physical, chemical and biological parameters compared to the measured status of the year 2014 and vary from one station to another according to activities carried on that area. Example pH at Mbangukwalu was (5.90), Darajani (5.85) and Msikitini (5.80) which is too acidic compared to that recommended by Tanzania Bureau of Standard(TBS) 6.5-8.5 but that of Videte station was 6.40 which is within the range. These values differ from that measured 2014 which ranges from 6.09-7.05 and are within the TBS standard, the reason for these variations was due to different activities practiced carried in these areas. Moreover, the overall measured status of heavy metal at the river is lower than that of the year 2010 as result of Karibu Textile Mills industry being closed. The result shows that, even though there is an existence of water quality framework, water quality at Mzinga River has deteriorated. Furthermore, the study shows that the compliance of communities with water resources management needs is weak. This study recommended that there should be shifting of people’s settlements and human activities such as Farming activities and Car washing along the river in order to comply with water resources management Act.