SUMMARY
This study examined shallow ground water quality in Odaube, Benue State, Nigeria. Physico-chemical parameters (taste, odour, pH, conductivity, dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, acidity, Nitrate and chloride) and coliform communities were investigated. Generally, results obtained did not meet the acceptable standard of the World Health Organization for potable water. 80% of sampled water sources had odour and taste problems, 10% had pH problems while 20% had elevated nitrate concentrations. Also all the sampled sites showed evidence of serious microbial pollution. This stems from the poor hygienic conditions around water sources and proximity to pit latrines and waste dump sites. Over 90% of the people in the study area depend on these contaminated shallow wells for domestic water as such cheap water treatment options like boiling and the use of chemical additives like water Guard® is highly recommended.