Groundwater is an important natural resource that the majority of the human population depend on for drinking. Potable water is essential for good health and the socio-economic development of man. This research examined the quality of groundwater in selected pollution-prone towns in Cross River State. The study evaluated the level of contamination and quality of the groundwater from boreholes closed to dumpsites and abattoirs in six L.G.A in Cross River State. Borehole water samples were subjected to standard laboratory procedures.Physico-chemical (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals (nitrate, chloride, copper, zinc, aluminum, Fluoride, and ammonia) and microbiological examination of the borehole water samples were carried out. The results revealed that the pH for the groundwater samples ranged from 4.26 – 7.0 indicating acidity in some of the water samples. The value for conductivity ranged between 31.33 – 603.67 µs/cm and was above the WHO standard for drinking water, fluoride ranged between 0.10 – 0.68mg/L, and calcium with a range of 11.13 – 2.1.17mg/L which was within the WHO and NIS permissible limits. Standard BOD values were higher than all the controls. The microbial load of the underground water was significantly high in all the areas sampled. It was evident from the BOD values, that there is a high level of contamination of groundwater sources within the areas visited which makes the need for urgent health intervention.