Water Supply (Mar 2021)
Assessment of effectiveness of water safety plans (WSP) on water quality in rural communities of Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria
Abstract
World Health Organization recommends the use of water safety plans as a systematic approach to ensure safe drinking water supply through a comprehensive risk assessment and management. This research assesses the implementation of WSPs in Anambra State, Nigeria, based on understanding the outcomes of the community's WSP implementation and provides recommendations to improve the WSP process. To meet these objectives, a mixed-methods protocol was used, including household surveys on water management practices, water quality testing to determine water safety of households' transport, stored and source waters and qualitative data collection. In an evaluation on the implementation of WSPs in two councils' areas, relative to non-WSP implementing communities, the following activities were conducted: 120 household surveys; water sample testing at water sources; focus group discussions with key informants, water facility staff. Results indicate: water sources in both councils are producing relatively clean water; water management practices at the source were relatively safe with minor risky practices in a few communities; households involved in risky practices that led to contamination from transported through to stored water and water facility caretakers were aware of their responsibilities. Recontamination of the source water during transportation and storage remained the main difficulty in ensuring consumption of safe water. HIGHLIGHTS The research assesses the application and effectiveness of water safety plans (WSPs) as a means of improving water quality in rural communities in Anambra State in Nigeria.; The methodology of the research focuses on contaminant tracking along the water chain; from source to consumer.; Results and analysis of data indicates an effective influence of the WSP. Also indications are that water supply, hygiene and sanitation affects water quality within the study area.;
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