Public perception of potable water sources, quality and treatment in five Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

The perception of water quality treatment and the source of water for household consumption in Benin City was investigated. In total, 125 participants from five local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District were included in this cross-sectional study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to assess water purity, quality, and treatment. The data obtained were analysed via descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages of participants’ responses were recorded. Approximately 83 (66.4%) of the participants reported sachet water as the primary source of drinking water; 121 (96.8%) used borehole water for cooking; 42 (33.6%) reported washing their water tanks once a year. Seventy-seven participants (61.6%) did not use water treatment methods, 58.9% treated their water through boiling, and 11 (22.9%) used filtration, from the 38.4% that treated. Sixty-three (50.4%) of the
participants believed that water treatment and purification procedures are expensive, and 105 (85.6%) of them agreed to pay for affordable treatment measures. Sachet water and that from borehole sources were more commonly used. However, poor water treatment and purification practices were also observed. These findings highlight the need for improved public education on water safety and affordable household purification methods.