In March 2010 Medecins Sans Frontieres(MSF)discovered an epidemic of lead poisoning in Zamfara state in northern Nigeria with at least 10,000 people estimated to be affected; out of which 1,500 are children under the age of 5(with 153 mortalities).The source of the outbreak was associated with artisanal gold ore processing that occurs in the villages.For several months grinding operations were conducted at numerous sites in villages and crushing,washing,and gold recovery were undertaken within residential compounds after the ore is transported from the nearby mines.Of particular concern is the town of Bagega(Lat 11.86oN; Long 6.004oE)in Anka Local Government Area,which is a regional hub for the ore processing and the informal gold trade.Many family compounds in the town have soil lead concentrations above 1 000 ppm.Studies conducted by the Centre for Disease and Control(CDC)in the town tested several hundred children and adults,identified the principal exposure routes,and quantified contamination levels in soils in the village.However,water sources were not investigated.Thus this work reports the levels of lead in all drinking water sources of the town.METHODS Samples were collected in clean plastic containers from all the sources of potable water in the village which includes ordinary wells,concrete reinforced wells and boreholes(both solar powered and hand pumped).The sampling locations were coded.The analysis was conducted using a Shimadzu Atomic Absorption Spectrometer(AAS)and the result was posted in Milligram of lead per litre of water(Mg/l).RESULTS Considering the fact that the WHO Guideline Value is 0.01Mg/l,it was observed that none of the twenty different water sources can be considered safe for domestic utilities.Infact it is scary to see some of the water samples with lead levels as much as 2.558 Mg/l.CONCLUSION The situation needs to be given an utmost attention to avert a catastrophe.Boreholes should be dug in farther and safer areas,which can now be piped to the town and Chemical treatment of the existing boreholes should immediately commence.Chelation therapy for the inhabitants should also commence immediately.They should also be made aware of the dangers as well as alternative sources of cleaner water.Finally,a new settlement should be constructed for the inhabitants in a safer place.