The comparative assessment of two rivers, Warri River (Delta State) and Ule River (Edo State), in the Niger Delta region of Southern Nigeria was carried out between the months of January and June, 2016 across wet and dry seasons using two pollution indices of water quality index (WQI) and physical pollution index (PPI). Findings from the investigation when compared with existing standards revealed the pollution state of the two rivers occasioned by anthropogenic activities and flooding from the surrounding watershed. Warri River recorded the highest WQI and PPI values compared to Ule River with lower values. The wet season has more influence on the quality of both water bodies. The findings of this investigation reveal that the water is not fit for drinking and other domestic purposes.

Keywords: Pollution, anthropogenic, watershed, water quality index, physical pollution index.