Unprotected Wells Research Articles

Spatial Distribution and Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Anemia Among Women of Reproductive Age: Case of 2014 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey Data

Background:Anemia is an important public health problem affecting all age groups of the population. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with anemia among women of childbearing age in Rwanda and map their spatial variation.Methods:The 2014/15 Rwanda Demographic and Health survey data was used and the structured logistic regression model was fitted to the data, where fixed effects were modeled parametrically, non-linear effects were modeled non-parametrically using second order random walk priors and spatial effects were modeled using Markov Random field priors.Results:The prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age was 18.9%. Women from the households which use water from the unprotected well had a higher risk of having anemia than a woman from the household where they use water piped into dwelling or yard. The risk of anemia was higher among underweight women and women living in households without toilet facilities. The anemia was less pronounced among the women using contraception, literate women, women from the households which use a bed net and living in rich households.Conclusion:The findings from this study highlighted the districts with the highest number of anemic women and this can help the policymakers and other public health institutions to design a specific programme targeting these districts in order to improve the health status and living conditions of these women. The findings also suggest an improvement of toilet facilities, bed net use and source of drinking water in affected households.

Environmental Survey of Drinking Water Sources in Kampala, Uganda, during a Typhoid Fever Outbreak.

In 2015, a typhoid fever outbreak began in downtown Kampala, Uganda, and spread into adjacent districts. In response, an environmental survey of drinking water source types was conducted in areas of the city with high case numbers. A total of 122 samples was collected from 12 source types and tested for Escherichia coli, free chlorine, and conductivity. An additional 37 grab samples from seven source types and 16 paired large volume (20 liter) samples from wells and springs were also collected and tested for the presence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Escherichia coli was detected in 60% of kaveras (drinking water sold in plastic bags) and 80% of refilled water bottles; free chlorine was not detected in either source type. Most jerry cans (68%) contained E. coli and had free chlorine residuals below the WHO-recommended level of 0.5 mg/liter during outbreaks. Elevated conductivity readings for kaveras, refilled water bottles, and jerry cans (compared to treated surface water supplied by the water utility) suggested that they likely contained untreated groundwater. All unprotected springs and wells and more than 60% of protected springs contained E. coli Water samples collected from the water utility were found to have acceptable free chlorine levels and no detectable E. coli While S Typhi was not detected in water samples, Salmonella spp. were detected in samples from two unprotected springs, one protected spring, and one refilled water bottle. These data provided clear evidence that unregulated vended water and groundwater represented a risk for typhoid transmission.IMPORTANCE Despite the high incidence of typhoid fever globally, relatively few outbreak investigations incorporate drinking water testing. During waterborne disease outbreaks, measurement of physical-chemical parameters, such as free chlorine residual and electrical conductivity, and of microbiological parameters, such as the presence of E. coli or the implicated etiologic agent, in drinking water samples can identify contaminated sources. This investigation indicated that unregulated vended water and groundwater sources were contaminated and were therefore a risk to consumers during the 2015 typhoid fever outbreak in Kampala. Identification of contaminated drinking water sources and sources that do not contain adequate disinfectant levels can lead to rapid targeted interventions.

Risks of Domestic Underground Water Sources in Informal Settlement in Kabwe – Zambia

Informal settlements are a hot spot for disaster risks worldwide. They are characterised by limited provision of basic services. Water being a critical life support resource is not adequately provided. Residents usually rely on unsafe water sources of hand dug wells. Pit latrines are a major facility for sanitary purposes. Further, informal settlements high population density residing in poor housing units is a common characteristics. Risks of underground water pollution are high due to the proximity of sanitation facilities to unprotected shallow wells increasing the possibility of feacal contamination by ecoli and coli form. This paper presents a case of Makululu informal settlement in Zambia. A total of 385 respondents were identified at random while purposive sampling identified key informants. Water samples collected from 12 hand dug wells located close to pit latrines were tested for coli form and ecoli. Testing was done before and after the rainy season to analyse the relationship between pit latrines and wells as well as the relationship with rainfall distribution pattern to ascertain levels of risks. Water was tested to determine the levels of contamination based on the presence of ecoli and coli form. Laboratory results indicated that 90 percent of water consumed in Makululu informal settlement is highly contaminated by faecal coliforms.

Determinants of Household Drinking Water Quality in Rural Ethiopia

Safe and adequate water supply is a vital element to preserve human health; however, access to clean water is limited in many developing countries. Furthermore, improved water sources are often contaminated with fecal matters and consumption of unsafe water poses a great public health risk. This study seeks to identify determinants of microbial contamination of household drinking water under multiple-use water systems in rural areas of Fogera and Mecha districts of Ethiopia. In this analysis, a random sample of 454 households was surveyed from February to March 2014, and water samples from community sources and storage containers were collected and tested for fecal contamination. The number of Escherichia coli (E.coli) colony forming units per 100ml (cfu/100ml) water was used as an indicator of fecal contamination. The results show that 50% of households used protected water sources, 38% used unprotected wells/ spring and 12% used surface water sources. However, water microbiological tests demonstrated that 58% of household storage water samples and 74% of water sources were contaminated with E.coli. After controlling for household sanitary factors, high level of E.coli bacteria colonies were observed in unprotected water compared to surface water and protected wells/springs sources. To ensure the quality and safety of water stored in the household, our findings suggest that point-of-use water treatment, safe water handling and storage, proper hygiene practices such as washing hands after critical times and proper disposal of household garbage should be promoted. On-site water wells should be properly designed to prevent seepage from unhygienic household pit latrine. Furthermore, community water sources should be adequately protected and sanitary measures should be undertaken regularly to reduce contamination from human and animal waste.

The costs of coping with poor water supply in rural Kenya

AbstractAs the disease burden of poor access to water and sanitation declines around the world, the nonhealth benefits––mainly the time burden of water collection – will likely grow in importance in sector funding decisions and investment analyses. We measure the coping costs incurred by households in one area of rural Kenya. Sixty percent of the 387 households interviewed were collecting water outside the home, and household members were spending an average of 2–3 h doing so per day. We value these time costs using an individual‐level value of travel time estimate based on a stated preference experiment. We compare these results to estimates obtained assuming that the value of time saved is a fraction of unskilled wage rates. Coping cost estimates also include capital costs for storage and rainwater collection, money paid either to water vendors or at sources that charge volumetrically, costs of treating diarrhea cases, and expenditures on drinking water treatment (primarily boiling in our site). Median total coping costs per month are approximately US$20 per month, higher than average household water bills in many utilities in the United States, or 12% of reported monthly cash income. We estimate that coping costs are greater than 10% of income for over half of households in our sample. They are higher among larger and wealthier households, and households whose primary source is not at home. Even households with unprotected private wells or connections to an intermittent piped network spend money on water storage containers and on treating water they recognize as unsafe.

Provision of Sustainable Water Supply System in Nigeria: A Case Study of Wannune-Benue State

It has been estimated that about 80 percent of all the diseases in the developing countries are related to unsafe water supply and inadequate sanitation. Lack of access to improved sanitation and safe water [1] supply is a global crisis. The effects of inadequate water supply are more visible and prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents an assessment of the existing water supply system at Wannune-Nigeria based on an onsite-physical inspection and discussion with some stakeholders. The assessment revealed that the existing water supply systems broke down due to poor and/or lack of proper operation and maintenance practice. This led to the dependence by residents on water from unprotected wells, rivers and streams. This is capable of causing some sanitation and water related diseases like cholera, diarrhea, among others. To improve the situation, a provisional design of a water supply system for Wannune was done. The system comprises a water treatment plant of 5,000 m<SUP>3</SUP>/d capacity, transmission mains of 41,000 metres length and three elevated reservoirs of 200, 500 and 1000 m<SUP>3</SUP> capacities for storage and transmission of the treated water.

The suitability of shallow hand dug wells for safe water provision in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from Ndola, Zambia

Many informal communities within urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa are heavily reliant on shallow hand-dug wells for water, but these are vulnerable to contamination from a range of sources. This paper assesses the heavy metal contamination and total coliform risk of unprotected shallow wells in Ndola, Zambia – a city struggling with contaminated surface waters from both bacteriological and potential mining waste products. One hundred and twenty three shallow wells were sampled across the Ndola, and these encompassed the three main lithologies of the city. All wells lacked an internal casing, however, some wells did have covers and/or pavements surrounding the wells, albeit of dubious efficacy. Despite the lack of protection, the quality of water used abstracted from these wells generally met the World Health (WHO) guidelines for heavy metals (with the exception of Al) and total coliforms (although, this was highly variable). The quality of shallow well water varied across Ndola relative to the underlying geology, where total recoverable concentrations were typically lowest in granite-gneiss. Dissolved load concentrations were lowest in dolomite-limestone, highlighting the role of aquifer geology in acting as a buffer against metal toxicity. Our study illustrates that shallow wells, within the appropriate geological units, may provide a safe and reliable source of drinking water. Well protection is, however, needed to ensure that the proliferation of shallow well use does not lead to regional degradation of the groundwater resource. There is an immediate need to invest in promoting internal well casing during the construction of shallow wells, concomitant with investment and education into protecting wells at the surface, despite the current relatively low level of contamination in wells without protection.

Analysis of the bacterial community composition in acidic well water used for drinking in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

Potable water is a resource out of reach for millions worldwide, and the available water may be chemically and microbiologically compromised. This is particularly acute in Africa, where water-networks may be non-existent or restricted to a small fraction of the urban population, as in the case of Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. This study was carried out seasonally in Bolama (11°N), where unprotected hand-dug wells with acidic water are the sole source of water for the population. We inspected the free-living bacterial community dynamics by automated rRNA intergenic spacer analyses, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and cloning approaches. The results revealed a clear seasonal shift in bacterial assemblage composition and microbial abundance within the same sampling site. Temperature, pH and turbidity, together with the infiltration and percolation of surface water, which takes place in the wet season, seemed to be the driving factors in the shaping and selection of the bacterial community and deterioration of water quality. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed several potential pathogenic bacteria and uncultured bacteria associated with water and sediments, corroborating the importance of a culture-independent approach in drinking water monitoring.

Quality of drinking water and cholera prevalence in Ndirande Township, City of Blantyre, Malawi

Scarcity of safe drinking water is a big problem in Ndirande Township, City of Blantyre. Consequently, residents use unsafe sources of drinking water other than the potable water provided by Blantyre Water Board (BWB). This study was conducted from November 2007 to April 2008 to assess the quality of drinking water and cholera prevalence in Makata, Chinseu, Golio, Safalao and Newlines, in Ndirande Township. A survey using semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to gather information on the sources of drinking water and prevalence of cholera in the Township. Data on cholera cases and number of deaths in Ndirande Township which occurred between November 2007 and April 2008 was sourced from Ndirande Health Centre in Blantyre City. Water samples were collected from unprotected shallow wells, boreholes and taps and analysed for Escherichia coli, metals and non-metals. Samples were also analysed for pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate, hardness, chloride, chromium, lead, cadmium, iron, sodium and potassium. Results showed that 85% of 150 respondents drink water from shallow wells, rain water and boreholes in addition to treated water provided by BWB. Only 15% of the respondents get water from BWB without supplementation from the other sources. Forty percent of the respondents indicated that they did not treat their water before consumption. Cholera cases (176), were prevalent throughout the study period with highest number (85) recorded in December 2007. Two deaths were recorded in November 2007. Over 80% of water samples from shall wells and boreholes contained E. coli. Concentrations of total dissolved solids, sulphates, sodium, potassium, lead, cadmium and chromium in all water samples were within the acceptable limits by World Health Organisation (WHO) and Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS). Based on the results of this study, water from boreholes and shallow wells was heavily polluted with faecal matter, and therefore, not suitable for human consumption. Use of water disinfectants to treat well and borehole waters in the study area should be intensified. Furthermore, research on use of solar radiation to disinfect untreated water and use of plant materials, for example, Moringa oleifera seed kernel to clarify water should be investigated.

Assessing the Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water from Sources to Household Water Samples of the Rural Communities of Dire Dawa Administrative Council, Eastern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, access to improved water supply and sanitation was estimated at 38% and 12% respectively. Three- forth of the health problems of children in Ethiopia are communicable diseases due to polluted water and improper water handling practices. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in Dire Dawa Surrounding area. The study was conducted from February 2011 to May 2011. A total of 90 water samples from different water sources (-protected and unprotected well; protected and unprotected spring; and tap water) and bacteriological water quality parameters were analyzed using the membrane filtration method. Water analysis demonstrated that all water sources in the study areas were contaminated with total coliforms, fecal coliform and parasites. The average counts of TC were in the range of 1.5-133.05CFU/100ml whereas the average counts of FC were found to be 0.34- 54CFU/100ml. In all samples, the TC, FC was above the recommended limit of WHOM for drinking water quality (1-10CFU/100ml for TC, 0CFU/100ml for FC. The fact that, about 83.34% of the water sample was positive for indicator bacteria shown that the three selected PA had risk of contamination in the three selected PAs had high risk of microbiological water quality parameters. High concentration of microbiological indicators in all water sources of this study area may demonstrated the presence of pathogenic organisms which constitute a threat to anyone consuming or in contact with these waters. This is due to lack of good water treatment, improper water handling practices and lack of the protection of the water sources. Consequently, protection of water sources accompanied by sanitation and hygiene promotion programs can improve the water quality of rural water sources, where disinfection is not feasible.

Faecal contamination of public water sources in informal settlements of Kisumu City, western Kenya

High levels of environmental contamination, often associated with improper waste and excreta management, are widespread among informal settlements within urban areas in developing countries. We determined the level of faecal contamination in domestic water sources and evaluated the potential contribution of these water sources to intestinal helminthiases in seven informal settlements of Kisumu City, western Kenya. Membrane filtration technique was used for enumeration of total and faecal (Escherichia coli) coliform bacteria in water samples collected from dams, rivers, springs and wells. Out of the 80 water sources sampled, 76 (95%) were highly contaminated with E coli. All water samples from unprotected wells (26) and 92.6% of samples from protected wells (25) were positive for E. coli. The highest and lowest E. coli densities were observed in samples from dams (3,800 ± 1,807 coliforms per 100 ml) and boreholes (419 ± 223 coliforms per 100 ml), respectively (p = 0.0321). Distance from pit latrines was negatively associated with E. coli coliform density for wells (r = -0.34, n = 53, p = 0.0142). Untreated well-water may not be suitable for human consumption, and its continued use constitutes a major health risk for the inhabitants of these informal settlements.

Millennium Development Goals water target claim exaggerates achievement

Millennium Development Goals water target claim exaggerates achievement

A drive point application of the Guelph Permeameter method for coarse-textured soils

The Guelph Permeameter (GP) is a widely used well/auger-hole method for in-situ determination of field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and sorptive number (α*) in the vadose or unsaturated zone. Its application can be difficult, however, in gravelly materials which are problematic to auger, and in un-cohesive sandy materials which collapse during the augering process or upon wetting of the unlined well. We circumvented these issues, by replacing the GP well with a conically tipped well screen or “drive point” which is pushed, driven, rotated or vibrated to the desired depth. We also developed a steady flow analysis to account for the fact that water discharge through the drive point screen is solely radial, rather than both radial and vertical as in the original GP method. The HYDRUS-2D numerical simulation model was used to determine appropriate shape values (CDP) for the drive point analysis; and an empirical regression equation was developed to convert the discrete CDP values into continuous shape functions for porous materials with negligible-moderate, strong and very strong capillarity. In a well-sorted medium-coarse sand, the drive point method produced Kfs and α* values which were plausible and consistent with other data from the field site. The original GP method, on the other hand, under-estimated the drive point results by factors of 2.1–3.1, which may have been caused by progressive collapse of the unlined GP well, and/or gradual sinking of the GP outflow tip into the unprotected well base. It was concluded that the drive point GP method can provide convenient and accurate estimates of Kfs and α* in materials where hydraulic properties are not substantially altered by the disturbance of drive point installation.

Nutritional status of children in food insecure households in two districts of North Showa Zone, Ethiopia

Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality of children in Ethiopia. However, little information is available on nutritional status of the lower socioeconomic segment of the community to devise targeted tackling solutions and overcome severe malnutrition. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess nutritional status of children and other related information in food insecure households. Two hundred food insecure households (HHs) were selected from two districts of North Showa zone of Amhara in 2007. The criteria for inclusion were being landless, oxen-less, and/ or female headed. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected from a total of 239 (151 &lt; 5yrs and 88, 6-12yrs) children. Data on demographic, childcare, feeding practices and morbidity status of children were collected using an interview, community focus group discussion and secondary data from district offices. The overall prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was 54.2%, 40.2% and 10.6 %, respectively. Prevalence of night blindness and Bitot's spot were 3.1% and 3.5%, respectively. The median level of urinary iodine excretion by 6-12 years children was 1.5μg/L. Seventeen percent of the children were found iron deficient. Exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 month was practiced by less than 20% of the households. About fifty six percent of the households have cropland less than half a hectare and 50.8% of the households are getting water from unprotected well or spring. The main type of toilet facility being used was open bush/field (84.5%). The main income of the households was agriculture. The majority (45-50%) of the household heads in both districts are in the age ranges of 20-30 years. Fifty percent of the household heads can read and write. Lack of enough arable land, unreliable rain fall, extension of desertification, lack of scientific agricultural knowledge, absence of irrigation schemes, and shortage of skill in land use and management are some of the problems reported to contribute to food insecurity. The households are under severe malnutrition, food insecurity and poor childcare. Therefore, improvement of household resources by initiation of income generating livelihood options and knowledge based agriculture is needed.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICTS AT HANDAPANGALA AREA AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MINIMIZING THEM

At present, during the dry season (July to September), there are about 120-150 elephants all using the water resources and refuge available in the Handapanagala teak forest. Experience during the last few years indicates that these animals comprise several clans and families forming one large herd during the dry season, which breaks up into original clans and families and travel to other areas in search of food during the rainy season. However, a resident herd of about 30-40 animals remain in the near vicinity of the Handapanagala tank. The incidence of crop raiding is highest during the dry season and involves whatever crops are being cultivated by the villages. There have been a number of incidents where calves have died due to falling into pits or unprotected wells. In some incidents the villages have killed the animals by poisoning.Objectives of the study include: to suggest remedial measures to reduce the Human/ Elephant conflict; to suggest short term and long term conservation strategies to reduce the conflicts to a minimum. The methodology includes: data collected on socio-economic and agricultural practices of the farmers; information regarding the elephant movement and conflict; carrying capacity of water holes in Yala blocks III and IV; visual assessment of available foliage in Yala blocks III and IV; examination of migratory paths from Hadapanagala to Yala blocks V and IV. Short term recommendations include: capture and translocate of a few habitual crop raiders; open a corridor linking Handapangala area and Yala National Park; translocate Neluwagala settlers; provide adequate space for animals; repair and reconstruct of water holes in Yala blocks III and IV. Long term recommendations include: a study to determine the carrying capacity of Yala blocks III and IV; enrichment of the habitat in Yala blocks III IV and V; establish a research unit in situ to study the migratory patterns; carry out a study to determine the social, economical and environmental viability of Sugar cane plantations.

An appraisal of public water supply and coverage in Mzuzu City, northern Malawi

Literature on water supply and coverage is mixed about whether Malawi will achieve the MDGs by 2015. Mzuzu City is one of the most rapidly growing urban areas that is faced with public water supply and coverage challenges in Malawi. In view of this, an appraisal was done through documentation review, field visits and face to face interviews in order to evaluate problems of public water supply and coverage. It was observed that inequitable distribution of water points, unreliability of the water supply services and financial losses are some of the problems affecting public water supply in Mzuzu City. The financial losses were attributed to poor financial performance resulting from accrued debts by some individual customers and most government institutions, the board’s reliance on loans for expansion of services which has led into more revenue being spent servicing the loan and accrued interests, and high levels of unaccounted for water. This study found out that only 17% of the study population has piped water in their dwelling homes and yards. It was also observed that 51% of the population accesses the water from community stand pipes supplied by the NRWB. This means that only 68% of the study population in Mzuzu City (mostly those from planned settlements) is covered by NRWB and 32% is not covered and relies on boreholes (13.6%), unprotected wells (16.5%) and rivers (1.9%) as sources of water. The percentage composition of the population not covered by NRWB is of great concern and threat to public health and safety. The study recommends that NRWB should ensure that available funds, which would otherwise have been paid out in form of interest, are used on projects in phases to improve water supply and coverage in Mzuzu City. The study also recommends that the government of Malawi should consider converting the NRWB’s loans into grants in order to alleviate the NRWB’s financial losses. Furthermore, the study recommends that the NRWB should equitably increase its customer base.

Prevalence and risk factors of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections among children from primary schools in western Tajikistan

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections represent a public health problem in Tajikistan, but epidemiological evidence is scarce. The present study aimed at assessing the extent of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections among children of 10 schools in four districts of Tajikistan, and to make recommendations for control.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out in early 2009. All children attending grades 2 and 3 (age: 7-11 years) from 10 randomly selected schools were invited to provide a stool sample and interviewed about sanitary situation and hygiene behaviour. A questionnaire pertaining to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics was addressed to the heads of households. On the spot, stool samples were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smear examination for helminth diagnosis. Additionally, 1-2 g of stool was fixed in sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin, transferred to a specialised laboratory in Europe and examined for helminths and intestinal protozoa. The composite results from both methods served as diagnostic 'gold' standard.ResultsOut of 623 registered children, 602 participated in our survey. The overall prevalence of infection with helminths and pathogenic intestinal protozoa was 32.0% and 47.1%, respectively. There was pronounced spatial heterogeneity. The most common helminth species was Hymenolepis nana (25.8%), whereas the prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Enterobius vermicularis were below 5%. The prevalence of pathogenic intestinal protozoa, namely Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar was 26.4% and 25.9%, respectively. Almost half of the households draw drinking water from unimproved sources, such as irrigation canals, rivers and unprotected wells. Sanitary facilities were pit latrines, mostly private, and a few shared with neighbours. The use of public tap/standpipe as a source of drinking water emerged as a protective factor for G. intestinalis infection. Protected spring water reduced the risk of infection with E. histolytica/E. dispar and H. nana.ConclusionsOur data obtained from the ecological 'lowland' areas in Tajikistan call for school-based deworming (recommended drugs: albendazole and metronidazole), combined with hygiene promotion and improved sanitation. Further investigations are needed to determine whether H. nana represents a public health problem.

English

The quality of potable water and treatment of waterborne diseases are critical public health issues. Bacterial contamination of drinking water sources is the most common health risk. The research determines bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in Serbo town, south west Ethiopia. A Cross-sectional study design on bacteriological analysis of drinking water was conducted in Serbo town from September to October, 2010. 100 ml of water specimen was collected from each water sources and transported for testing to the department of medical laboratory sciences and pathology laboratory by cold chain. The water samples were tested using the multiple tube technique on OXOID MacConkey Broth, (Oxoid Ltd, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England) for presumptive coliform count followed by Escherichia coli confirmation. A total of twenty four drinking water samples were analyzed. Eighteen (75%) were from unprotected wells and the remaining six (25%) were from protected wells. Twenty three out of the total (87.5%) have presumptive bacteria count above the permissible limits for drinking water. Majority of the water sources were not safe for drinking. Hence, regular disinfection of drinking water sources needs to be run. Key words: Potable water, most probable number, fecal coliform, protected well and unprotected well.

Self supply systems: Urban dug wells in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Self supply systems are privately owned household water sources. The systems are generally perceived as playing a role in water service delivery to the rural poor. The systems' yielding safe drinking-water also receives little attention in literature and policy, relative to public and communal sources. This paper assessed urban self supply wells and argues that self supply is a coping water supply strategy of not only the rural poor, but also of the unserved in the cities. The assessment included inventory and classification of sources, forms of access to sources, types and number of users in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Ninety eight percent of the self supply sources in the study area are hand dug wells. The design and construction features vary from protected, semi-protected to unprotected well structures. Forty five percent of the urban population is found to have access to either a restricted or free access hand dug well. The paper emphasizes the need to see self supply sources as the third angle, which completes the water supply triangle with the public and communal water systems as the other angles.

Water Supply Dilemma in Nigerian Rural Communities: Looking Towards the Sky for an Answer

Access to safe water supply has great influence on the health, economic productivity and quality of life of the people. But meeting this need is one of the major challenges facing the rural communities of Nigeria today. The purpose of this review paper is to determine whether water supply have contributed effectively to health, social, and cultural development of Nigerian rural communities. Over 70% of households in rural communities do not have access to improved water supply. They rely solely on self-water supply (free source) such as rivers, perennial streams, water ponds and unprotected wells which is susceptible to water borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, malaria parasites etc. These rural populations are engaged in farming activities with low income level living in small scattered settlements thus, making provision of piped water supply very difficult. Governments’ interventions towards rural water supply have been through the provision of hand-operated boreholes and wells. These sources yield little or no water during the dry season and are prone to frequent breakdown; leading water crisis and shortages. This situation forces households especially the women and children to spend more time walking longer distances during the dry season to trot water for domestic purposes. Given the fact that the publicly operated water supply have not been able to cope with increasing demand, there is a need for a paradigm shift from the public monopoly of water supply to an innovative approach. Rainwater harvesting technology appears to be one of such alternative approaches.