Problems of Domestic Water Supply in Dutsen Kura Gwari, Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to identify the problems of domestic water supply in Dutsen Kura Gwari Area of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria and to determine the major source of domestic water supply in the area, while finding out the extent and challenges encountered in the process of sorting out drinking water and examining the health effect of water problems on the residents. This was carried out by getting first hand information from the residents, water board officials and health workers in order to get more reliable conclusion and provide strategies in which the adverse effect of this problem can be curtailed. Field investigations and statistical analysis revealed that tap water supply in the area is not sufficient and most of the wells dry up in the dry season. However, 33.3% of the total sampled population have tap water supply in their homes and feel little or no impact of water problems while 67% are without tap water supply. This has compelled most of the residents of the area to resort to other alternatives which are privately owned commercial boreholes, water vendors and hand dug wells. Observation and findings showed that most parts of the area was very dirty with feces and domestic wastes dumped; and the most common water borne diseases experienced in the area in the order as reported by health officials are as follows; typhoid (40%) cholera (34%), dysentery (20.8%) and guinea worm (4.1%). Investigation revealed that water problems have brought up a lot of hardships to the residents irrespective of their age, sex, occupation. So in view of these, it was concluded that water supply is a serious problem in the study area and it was recommended that the inhabitants of this area who are in better position should do their best in trying to reduce these prevailing problems. Communal efforts were also encouraged and the government was also advised to play its own role.