Analysis of Mode of Access to Quality Public Water Supply in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State

Abstract

This study analyse the mode of access to safe public water supply in Jalingo Metropolis. The study applied both survey and experimental research designs. The survey design involves sampling consumers' modes of accessing the public water supply, whereas the experimental approach involved laboratory investigation of water quality. A cross-sectional study carried out among 348 consumers who had access to public water supply and seven supply points each served by the three (3) production units of the Taraba State Water and Sewerage Corporation (TAWASCO) in Jalingo metropolis were selected. The standard procedures for water sample collection was done, which were analysed using the Wagtech Water Quality analysis machine in the World Health Organization Modern Laboratory located within Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) office in Jalingo. Whereas, the questionnairs elicited information on the mode of access to water by the residents. The questionnaire data were analysed using frequency count and simple percentage. The result revealed that both the physical and chemical characteristics of public water supply in Jalingo metropolis are within the permissible limits of WHO and NSDWQ. The coliform count for the water samples were in trace amount and within the standard limits of WHO/NSDWQ. On the mode of access to safe water supply, the result revealed that majority of the respondents (80%) in Magami and ATC production channels do not have direct connection to the main water supply from RUWASA but gain access through indirect connection from neighboring houses/compounds. It was only from the Mile Six production channel that majority of the respondents (70%) reported that they access water from taps located within the house. This implies that most of the residents in the study area do not have connection to the main supply, which delivers water directly to their homes. The study therefore recommended that the government should ensure equitable distribution of portable water to the generality of the public.