An Assessment of the causes of water supply problems in Bindura town

Author

Dzuda, Martha S.

Title

An Assessment of the causes of water supply problems in Bindura town

Abstract

Water is an important resource as such equitable access to clean and safe drinking water is a requirement. However, nearly 2.3 billion people globally have no access to safe water with less economically developed countries being more affected. Rapid growth in population, industry and agriculture has resulted in a high demand for water whereas the impacts of climate change have yielded erratic precipitation leading to inconsistent and unreliable water supply. Unpredictable water supply affects good hygiene practices as people are faced with the alternative of acquiring water from unsafe sources. These alternative sources are prone to pollution resulting in the accumulation of heavy metals and infectious contaminants that cause health risks. As such, the study sought to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of households in water conservation as well as determine the causes of water shortages, sources of water pollution and the quality of water utilised by households from selected residential areas surrounding Bindura town. The study employed a complete randomised block design with the aid of a questionnaire and observations, as well as for the collection of water samples in four different residential areas. Results showed that most respondents were female (64%), married (76%), were in the 21-40 years age group (55%), and had attained ordinary level education (42%). The most perceived causes of water shortages were increased population (43%) and lack of resources (27%) whereas the preferred water conservation methods were repairing leaks (29%) and harvesting rainwater (27%). Sewerage flow (34%) was the most identified source of water pollution, with waterborne diseases (39%) as the most known impact of water pollution. Age and educational level were strongly associated with knowledge on water conservation and pollution (p < 0.05), whereas gender and age were positively associated with attitude and practice on water conservation and pollution (p < 0.05). Water quality analysis determined that BOD, COD and DO for Garikai and Woodbrook were slightly above the EMA limits but within WHO guidelines. The concentrations of Cd and Hg were within the EMA and WHO prescribed limits in all the four sites (p < 0.05). Though some of the pollutants were above the regulatory limits, their concentrations were insignificant to cause deleterious effects but had the potential to do so overtime due to bioaccumulation. It is therefore recommended that residents should have a positive attitude towards water conservation and practice proper hygiene to reduce the prevalence of diarrheal diseases. Continuous monitoring of water quality should be exercised to ensure its safe for human consumption. Future studies should focus on sources of water pollution to reduce the release of contaminants into surface water.

Date

June 2022

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

water conservation

pollution

quality

Supervisor

Dr J. Gotosa