Rain water harvesting: a sustainable alternative for domestic water supply in South–Western Nigeria: in the case study of Ado-Odo/Ota LGA Ogun State

Abstract

Nigeria is currently facing various environmental challenges such as water scarcity and water quality; which is one of the largest environmental problems. However, the available supply of renewable water is short of the demand in Nigeria. Researchers have studied many alternative to better solve the emerging water supply problem. This study considers rainwater harvesting as an alternative source of water to ameliorate the possible scarcity. To better understand common practises in the rain water harvesting community and motivation for collecting harvested rainwater a socio-demographic survey was conducted in four communities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Ogun State Nigeria to determine the rate of water consumption and supply from current water sources. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered to various household and the data collected through the survey were analysed using SPSS and selected statistical methods. Rainfall data for Ota was obtained and it was to calculate the cumulative runoff in a year was determined for roof sizes are ≤ 75m2. This study demonstrated among other things that rainwater harvesting has the potential of contributing significantly to solving the problems of water shortage suffered not only by the rural-poor communities but also in the urban areas where conventional modes of water supply have failed to provide the desired level of service.