The study examined the water supply situation in Abeokuta, with emphasis on the quality of water distributed by the Ogun State Water Corporation from the treatment plant of the Abeokuta Water Scheme. Water samples were collected from standpipes (taps) across the city randomly selected using the stratified random sampling method and was analysed for physical and chemical parameters: pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, nitrate, bicarbonate, sulphate and chloride. The result of the physical and chemical parameters was subjected to statistical analyses using the multivariate t-test. The result of the treated water was further compared with the result of the analyses of raw water obtained from the source of water used in the treatment plant.

No abstract

It is often assumed that humans experience the effect of poor water quality like multiple health and socioeconomic impacts in the same way. But these impacts are not gender-neutral due to inequalities caused by physiological composition, age marginalization, and socioeconomic conditions, among others. We analyzed the intersections between water quality and gender and applied a mixed-method approach in collecting local-specific data and information. The assessment shows that without point-of-use water treatment, the water sources in the area are not safe for potable purposes, as the waters are hard in the sequence of borehole > surface water > hand-dug well > sachet water, with elevated levels of calcium (> 75mg/L) and not free from microbial contamination. Among the area population segments, men and boys (relative to women and girls) are more susceptible (55%) to the compounding health effects associated with the hardness and high calcium concentration in water. Girls are the most affected by the associated impacts of water collection. Men and boys are more vulnerable to the consequences of poor hygiene, while women are more susceptible to the health effects of toilet cleaning and sharing of sanitation facilities. Though most women and girls prefer disposable sanitary pads, women change more frequently and practice better menstrual hygiene than girls. We conclude that there are differential impacts of unsafe water, WASH services, and practices on human health. Gendered statistics through sex-disaggregated data is crucial to unmasking the differential impacts, which are neither gender-neutral nor evenly distributed between women and men, and boys and girls.

Assessment of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and water source quality in parts of Southwestern Nigeria was conducted. Sixty-one PHCs in urban and rural areas were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A WASH profile of the PHCs was conducted based on the water source type, type of toilet facilities, and handwashing practice using the Joint Monitoring Programme service ladder for monitoring WASH services in healthcare facilities. Water sources were tested for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, chloride, nitrate, and E. coli. Boreholes and hand-dug wells are the most prevalent water source type, and flush toilets and pit latrines are the major types of toilet facilities used. All but two PHCs engaged in handwashing practices. Water quality analysis results showed that chloride, nitrate, and turbidity were within the WHO drinking-water standards. Poor water quality and sanitation practices could expose health staff and patients to healthcare-associated infections. The study recommends the construction of safe, secure and accessible water sources and toilet facilities, provision of water treatment facilities, and the training of staff and patients on the significance of handwashing practices.