Hidden Waters, Hidden Risks: Unveiling Water Supply Realities and Health Threats in Uselu, Benin City, Nigeria
Abstract
Access to safe and adequate water remains a major public health concern in developing countries, where water scarcity and contamination drive persistent disease burdens. This study assessed the sources, treatment practices, and health implications of water inadequacy among residents of Uselu Community, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to 100 randomly selected household respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tabular form. Findings revealed that boreholes (56%) and wells (28%) constituted the main water sources, while rain (12%) and rivers/streams (4%) were less common. Public or government-provided pipe-borne water was largely unavailable, with 69% of respondents reporting no access. Although most households (89%) cleaned their storage containers, only 43% boiled or filtered water, 17% used chlorine treatment, and 36% applied unspecified local methods, indicating limited adoption of effective purification measures. Waterborne diseases were prevalent, with typhoid fever (47%) and cholera (30%) being most frequently reported. Additionally, more than half of respondents (55%) experienced water shortages. The study concludes that Uselu residents face significant challenges of inadequate and unsafe water supply, compounded by poor treatment practices and high vulnerability to waterborne diseases. It recommends urgent intervention through improved water infrastructure, community health education on sustainable treatment methods, and enforcement of sanitary regulations to prevent contamination. Strengthening policy support and ensuring equitable water distribution are also vital to safeguarding public health in semi-urban Nigerian communities.
Keywords
Water scarcity, sanitation, waterborne diseases, Uselu community, Nigeria
Citations
IRE Journals:
Iyoha Osakpolor Wealth, Omotoso Ayodele Jacob, Usiobaifo Bright Etiosa "Hidden Waters, Hidden Risks: Unveiling Water Supply Realities and Health Threats in Uselu, Benin City, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 5 2025 Page 14-21 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1711653-3186
IEEE:
Iyoha Osakpolor Wealth, Omotoso Ayodele Jacob, Usiobaifo Bright Etiosa
"Hidden Waters, Hidden Risks: Unveiling Water Supply Realities and Health Threats in Uselu, Benin City, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(5) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1711653-3186
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