**4. Conclusion**

The activities of illegal artisanal gold mining have led to widespread degradation in the quality of groundwater in the study area as a result of indiscriminate dumping of mined wastes. Due to the potential interaction between contaminated surface waters and groundwater resources, it is anticipated that surficial waters with deteriorated quality arising from the contamination from the illegal small scale mining activities in the area may have compromised the otherwise generally better quality groundwaters in the area, which serve as the main source of potable water. This study has evaluated the quality of groundwaters to ascertain the potability and potential health risks associated with the consumption of groundwater resources in the Ahafo-Ano South District of Ghana. It was observed that areas with intensive illegal artisanal gold mining operations had much higher elevated levels of heavy metals such as Pb, As, Cd and Ni in sampled groundwaters and vice-versa. It is expected that the findings of this study will present a framework upon which, all stakeholders involved in the management of water resources and water supply for the inhabitants will develop an effective, efficient as well as preventive mechanisms to minimize groundwater quality deterioration, minimize potential health risks and to enhance the socio-economic development of the people.

*Water Quality - Factors and Impacts*
