Assessment of Potable Water Supply in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper assessed potable water supply in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, with a view to suggesting strategies for improvement in water supply. This research made use of 466 copies of its research questionnaire administered randomly to household heads in five [5] selected communities of Akure North LGA. The selected communities are Ita-Ogbolu, Ogbese, Igoba, Iju, and Oba-Ile. A sample size of 466 respondents equalling 0.3% of the population was randomly selected across the study area for questionnaire administration. The survey research design method through the use of questionnaire was employed to gather data on the assessment of potable water in the study area. Findings revealed protected hand dug well to be the dominant source of domestic water supply in all communities covered in the study. Huge percentage of the respondents reported that their main sources of water were not reliable during dry season while some said it was not reliable during the raining season. The respondents complained of long distance and the time it takes them to get water from their water source. Boiling of water was the main water treatment among households. Typhoid was the prevalent water borne diseases among households, closely followed by diarrhoea. The study therefore proposed the construction of mini water scheme by the state government and some corporate individuals; the water points should be within 500 m of resident’s homes; construction of a dam for multifarious purposes and enlightenment of residents on the need to treat their water adequately before use.