Assessment of Water Sources in Terms of Availability, Use and Sufficiency in the Northern Region of Ghana
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Date
2012
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Abstract
Water is an essential resource for our well-being. The availability and sufficiency of water
sources in the Northern Region has been questioned due to water scarcity. Therefore, there
was the need to assess water sources in terms of availability, use and sufficiency in the
Northern Region of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered and measurement of yield of
water supplies and infiltration tests in Savelugu-Nantong, Karaga and Gushiegu Districts
were done. In addition, information on meteorological and crop data were collected for the
study. Analysis of the water sources showed that boreholes, wells, rivers, streams and
dug-outs were seasonally affected in terms of the water availability and supply with few
boreholes having the potential of meeting domestic and irrigation water requirements in the
dry season. Results from measured domestic water consumption by households in the study
area showed that they were insufficient for healthy lifestyles. The low consumption level
was due to insufficient water supply options, thus resulting in water consumption levels not
equating demand. Results from the current and projected population showed that water
sources were insufficient in the study area leading to congestion at water supply points with
more communities likely to be vulnerable to water scarcity. The prevalence of waterrelated
diseases except guineaworm was still high in the study area. The high prevalence of
water-related diseases was, however, attributed to poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Results of the study also revealed poor management and sustainability of the water sources
due to inappropriate siting, geological limitations, poor design and construction of water
sources. Other factors include inactive Water and Sanitation Committees, lack of
community’s sense of ownership and inability to generate sufficient incomes. Generally,
stand pipes can be recommended for the people since the water is clean, safe and accessible
without much use of human energy as is the case with the other sources.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Soil and Water Engineering.