EFFECT OF WATER QUALITY ON HUMAN HEALTH IN AKURE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The quality and accessibility of potable water remains a challenge within Akure metropolis. The research sought to find out the effect of water quality on human health in Akure, for which Akure urban space was divided into three major zones: the urban core (Cathedral and Eruoba), the transition zone (Apatapiti) and the government residential area (Ijapo). The data for this research work were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The water across the residential zones of Akure was sampled and subjected to water quality tests in a laboratory and the results was compared to pure water as recommended by WHO. Results indicate that there were variations on availability of potable water in Akure. The study revealed the sources of water supply in each zones for which well water was the most common, followed by bore hole and tap water. The study further revealed the spread of safe water and it was discovered that unringed and open wells were widely found at the urban core, wells are also dominant in the transition zone but largely ringed and covered while boreholes and tap water are widely spread at the government residential area. Morbidity pattern on water related diseases from year 2017 – 2019 revealed that diarrhea was prevalent in Akure followed by dysentery. Based on the findings, public awareness campaign should be sustained to inform the population about the importance of safe drinking water. Drinking water should be subjected to laboratory test yearly to determine the quality and to prevent humans from attendant water related diseases. Effective and efficient implementation of these recommendations will liberate the residents from the effects of poor water quality.