Accessibilité et qualité de l’eau dans la commune de Mboro (Sénégal) : étude exploratoire

Abstract

In a context of demographic growth in coastal areas, access to drinking water remains a major challenge. The aim of this work is to contribute to the study of the population's perception of the accessibility and quality of water, as well as the hydro-chemical characterisation of water samples from the commune of Mboro. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 150 households out of 3,455 for the perception survey. Two borehole water samples (MBORO F1 and MBORO F2), one from a traditional well (PUITS TRAD) and one from a pond (THI) were analysed using volumetric, electrothermal and spectrophotometric methods. The results show that the pH values of the water samples comply with WHO standards, and that the conductivity values and chloride, sodium, sulphate, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate and potassium levels are below the regulatory thresholds. However, the PUITS TRAD (185.7 mg/l) and THI (117.5 mg/l) samples had nitrate concentrations above the guide value (50 mg/l). The iron content of the PUITS TRAD and THI samples is equal to the guide value (0.2 mg/l). The survey on the supply of drinking water revealed that 67% of households have domestic taps, 4% use standpipes, 16% draw water from their neighbours and 13% of the population use water from wells. 77% of the population say they have easy access to a water source. However, 47% of households are not satisfied with the management and operation of the commune's water facilities. This work shows that the commune of Mboro is facing difficulties in supplying quality water. Concerted, sustainable action is therefore needed to improve the situation for the local population.