A quantity-quality tradeoff: Water quality and poverty assessment of drinking water sources in Southern Tanzania

Abstract

Regardless of being essential for human survival, access to potable water is still a problem in many rural African communities with increasing exposure to waterborne illnesses. This study aimed at establishing accessible quality water sources in 5 drinking water sources in rural southern Tanzania. The water quality index (WQI) and water poverty index (WPI) were utilized to grade and measure the water quality and water stress respectively. The 26 households participated in a socioeconomic survey to gauge the water accessibility in relation to four WPI factors viz., preference, accessibility (distance), quality, and seasonal availability. Results from the WPI computed data revealed that all the investigated water sources possessed poor quality with 222.5 and 112 for surface water and shallow wells (>50 excellent, <300 unsuitable). The WPI scores for shallow wells were safer than surface water at 45.7 as contrasted to 33.8 for surface water (0- poorest levels, 100-best levels). This study concluded that, in this area, shallow wells have more secure water in terms of quality and accessibility. Health data from Milola ward showed high occurrences of water borne diseases. This study recommends urgent water treatment intervention by the responsible stakeholders to avail clean, reliable, and accessible drinking water for vulnerable communities.