Abstract: This study analyzed the Physico-chemical and Bacteriological characteristics of groundwater in Upper Kubanni River Basin Zaria, Nigeria. Eight samples were purposively selected and analyzed in the laboratory; out of this, four were taken from shallow wells and four from boreholes. The parameters assessed include colour, odour, taste, pH, total hardness, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorine (cl-), nitrate, phosphate, lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and coliform count. Land use land cover (LULC) analysis was carried out using GIS techniques to determine the different land use within the study area. Findings of the study show some level of variability between borehole and shallow well water quality. Shallow wells were more contaminated than boreholes. The results for Physico-chemical and Bacteriological properties of groundwater were compared with WHO and NSDWQ set standards. It shows that the water samples were slightly acidic with few within acceptable limits. TDS, hardness, Mg, Fe, Pb and Cr were above WHO and NSDWQ limits from both borehole and shallow wells. For the LULC analysis, it shows that cultivation is the major land use in upper Kubanni. It was also established that there is a relationship between groundwater quality and cultivation due to higher amount of coliform in shallow wells within upper Kubanni. Due to high concentration of Physico-chemical contaminants in both borehole and shallow wells alongside with higher amount of total coliform in shallow wells; this study concludes that groundwater across the study area is not safe for direct consumption. Appropriate water treatment techniques such as boiling, addition of lime due to high harness, chlorination and filtration are recommended prior to domestic usage in order to reduce the spread of water borne diseases.
Key words: Drainage basin, Groundwater, Land Use Land Cover, Upper Kubanni