IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS FOR RURAL AREAS:

Abstract

Aponmu, in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, is a typical village, which since historic times was sited near perennial springs, characteristic State of most rural settlements. The water supply to the village from the Water Corporation has stopped functioning after a new pipeline transmitting water from Owena Water Works to Akure was reconstructed along the express road cutting off the village. Field survey of waters sources, requirements and uses were carried out at Aponmu village. The major water sources were identified as spring, hand- dug wells, rainwater and stream, which could be combined on a conjunctive use basis. This study was therefore directed towards the area of improvement of water supply that will meet all year requirements of the community in the next 10 years. With a population growth rate of 5% in Ondo State (small areas), the design of water supply systems was projected for a 10 year. The identified spring source was found to be adequate for the water supply. A treatment plant was designed to discharge the total daily demand (265m3/day) within the normal eight working hours. Designed parameters were evaluated from the chemical and biological analysis of the raw water samples obtained from the spring, hand dug wells and rain water. Results obtained, were compared with EEC (European Economic Commission) and WHO (World Health Organization) water quality guidelines. The results were found to be desirable, requiring only physical and chemical treatment and disinfections, a simple using rapid sand filter, Sodium hypochlorite, and Aluminum sulphate. Analysis showed that the estimated discharge of 330m3/day of the spring source would meet the present and future water requirement of the community (Aponmu). The protection of the spring required the construction of a protective structure around the catchments, consisting of sandcrete block fence at the base with a height of 600mm above ground surface super imposed by wire-mesh, 1500mm high. From the topography and geographical condition of the spring, a maximum distance of 5metres from the source was recommended for the catchments tank. The economic analysis of the project was also carried out based on the current market prices. The project was found to viable and beneficial.