Assessment of the Drivers of Domestic Water Consumption Pattern in Idahlga, Kogi State

Abstract

This study assessed the drivers of domestic water consumption pattern in Idah LGA, Kogi State. It focuses on the analysis of the sources of water, the magnitude of household water demand, consumption pattern of water, factors influencing consumption pattern of household water, and the relationship between domestic water supply and consumption pattern in Idah. The methodology involves the use of questionnaires, oral interview, and personal observation to gather necessary information. The sample size of four hundred (400) was selected using simple random technique. The results from the study revealed that boreholes (48.6%) and rivers (47.5%) are the major sources of water to households. The study further revealed that consumption and supply of water are 105.1 liters and 110.4 liters respectively per person per day. It was also revealed that the household activity that consumed more water is cloth washing. The study also revealed that household size (33.6%) is the major determinant of water consumption pattern in the area under study. A large positive linear relationship between the household water consumed and water supplied was found. These factors should be considered in water supply planning in low and middle income countries with limited access to safe potable water, along with interventions which control water wastage.