Self-Reported Assessment of Sources and Quality of Drinking Water: A Case Study of Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Water is a basic physiological requirement of the body with about 30–35 liters per capita per day required for each household, a situation which is far-fetched in most developing countries such as Nigeria. The study aimed to ascertain the sources, availability and accessibility of drinking water in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
 Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 362 heads of household who were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 360 wells from sampled households were examined to ascertain their compliance with WHO standards for improved/protected well. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
 Results: The commonest source of drinking water during dry and wet seasons was sachet water, 99 (27.3%) and 89 (24.6%), respectively. Two hundred and ten (58%) respondents reported that their drinking water sources were located within 200 meters of their dwelling; 293 (82.3%) respondents had access to water supply all the time, while 25 (7%) had access to water supply twice a week. Majority, 354 (97.8%) of respondents reported that their water was colourless, 350 (96.7%), odourless and 208 (57.5%), tasteless. Only 21 (5.8%) of the wells examined met the WHO criteria for improved/protected well. 
 Conclusion: Sachet water is the commonest source of drinking water and most wells examined did not meet the requirement of an improved well. The Ministry of Water Resources should make more improved sources of water available for the residents of Sapele.