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ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN BOREHOLES AND WELLS IN
WAA LOCATION, KWALE COUNTY - KENYA
JOSEPH WANJALA KILWAKE
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of
Masters of Environmental Science of Pwani University
May, 2016 ii
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to my wife, Everlyne, son Ian and late grandfather Patroba for their love, sacrifice, prayers and support in my study.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to acknowledge and thank my supervisors Prof. Mwakio Tole and Dr. Okeyo
Benards for guidance, encouragement and support in my study period. I am indebted to
Prof. Halimu Shauri and Dr. Maarifa Mwakumanya of Pwani University for the support in proposal development. I register my special gratitude to Mrs. Salome Mwaruwa, Principal
Waa Girls' School for support and encouragement, Mr. Ali Harun, Hamisi Masito, Ali
Mshindo and Juma Kanga during mapping, data collection and for linkage with the local community.
I do appreciate Mr. Patrick Oduma, OCPD Kwale District, Dr. Remmy Shiundu, Barasa
Joel, Twahir Mohammed, Eng. John Wanjala (EPHRAIM Company) and Josephat Orina for material support and advise.
I gratefully thank Miss Nyambura Mwangi, Mr. Peter Karanja (Pwani University) and
David Bett (Fisheries Department) for support in sample collection, data analysis and consultation.
I sincerely thank the Almighty God for the guidance in my study.
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ABSTRACT
Water from boreholes and dug wells is extensively used in Kwale County, especially by rural communities living away from established market centers, where piped water is commonly available. The study aimed to assess the quality of water in boreholes and dug wells found in Waa location of Kwale County – Kenya.
Selection of the boreholes and dug wells was carried out using purposive sampling and simple random sampling. All the seventy one boreholes and wells in Waa location were visited and inspected to determine their sanitary condition and functionality.
Twenty eight samples of water that were collected in duplicate from 14 boreholes and dug wells (30% of total number) were analyzed for faecal coliform ( Escherichia. coli ), total coliform count, pH, total dissolved solids, turbidity, colour, total hardness, salinity, chloride content, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, Ca2+ and Mg2+ using 3M
Petrifilm™ method, pH meter, HACH digital titrator, Total dissolved solids/Conductivity meter, and DR 2000 (HACH) spectrophotometer at KIMAWASCO laboratory.
The study revealed that 32% of the boreholes and dug wells have either permanently or temporarily failed to discharge good quality drinking water to the local community reliably.
This state has been attributed to negligence from the relevant authorities and agencies in terms of water quality monitoring and low level of community involvement in the development of these water projects.
There was high bacterial contamination (65%) of most of the water samples. The faecal coliform ( Escherichia coli count) ranged from 0 to 460 cfc/100ml.
Similarly, 50% of the collected water samples failed to meet WHO guideline values for investigated physico-chemical parameters (total hardness, salinity, chloride content, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, and Ca 2+ ). Salinity was extremely high in the samples from water points closer to the ocean such as Kaya Waa well which recorded 2697.8 mg/l as compared to WHO guideline of 250 mg/l, due to sea water intrusion.
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The existence of open defaecation points, lack of cover for hand dug wells and close proximity of wells/boreholes to the septic tanks and pit latrines have made these water points susceptible to contamination.
The County government of Kwale and water resource providers should build the capacity of the community in water resource management, introduce desalination and water treatment plants to provide safe drinking piped water. Proper refuse disposal and construction of communal toilets/pit latrines should be encouraged.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION………………………………………………………………………… ii
DEDICATION…………………………………………………………………………… iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………… iv
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………… v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………………………… vii
LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………………. x
LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………………… xi
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS………………………………………………… xii
CHAPTER ONE…………………………………………………………………………. 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………. 1
1.1 Background information……………………………………………………………… 2
1.2 Statement of the problem……………………………………………………………… 3
1.3 Justification of the study…………………………………………………………… 4
1.4 General Objective………………………………………………………………….. 5
1.4.1 Specific objectives…………………………………………………………………. 5
1.5 Research questions………………………………………………………………… 6
CHAPTER TWO………………………………………………………………………….. 7
2.0 LITERATUREREVIEW………………………………………………………………7
2.1 Global overview and statistics overwater………………………………………… 7
2.2 Continental perspective…………………………………………………………… 10
2.3 National perspective……………………………………………………………… 12
2.4 Local perspective (Kwale County) …………………………………………………12
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CHAPTER THREE……………………………………………………………………….. 17
3.0 MATERIALS ANDMETHODS……………………………………………………… 17
3.1 Research design…………………………………………………………… …….. 17
3.2 Description of the Project Area and scope of study…………………………………… 18
3.2 Sample size………………………………………………………………………… 25
3.3 Materials and instruments for Data Collection and laboratory testing……………. 26
3.4 Data Collection procedures and laboratory testing/analysis……………………….. 26
3.4.1 Faecal coliform and Total coliform……………………………………………… 26
3.4.2 Water Ph………………………………………………………………………….. 29
3.4.3 Turbidity………………………………………………………………………….. 30
3.4.4 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) …………………………………………………….. 30
3.4.5 Chloride……………………………………………………………………………. 31
3.4.6 Water Colour……………………………………………………………………….. 31
3.4.7 Electrical conductivity………………………………………………………………31
3.4.8 Total hardness……………………………………………………………………… 32
3.4.9 Water Salinity……………………………………………………………………… 32
CHAPTER FOUR…………………………………………………………………………. 34
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS…………………………………………………… 34
4.1 Biological results for S- samples(sterile) ………………………………………… 37
4.2 Analysis of biological results……………………………………………………… 38
4.3 Discussion of biological results…………………………………………………… 48
4.4 Physicochemical results for N - samples(Normal) …………………………………49
4.6 Analysis of physicochemical results……………………………………………….. 51
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4.7 Discussion of physicochemical results……………………………………………. 54
4.7.1 Chlorides…………………………………………………………………………. 54
4.7.2 Total alkalinity……………………………………………………………………. 55
4.7.3 Water Ph………………………………………………………………………….. 55
4.7.4 Water colour……………………………………………………………………… 55
4.7.5 Turbidity…………………………………………………………………………. 56
4.7.6 Total dissolved solids(TDS) …………………………………………………….. 56
4.7.7 Salinity…………………………………………………………………………… 56
4.7.8 Electrical conductivity…………………………………………………………… 57
4.7.9 Total hardness…………………………………………………………………… 57
4.7.10 Summary of findings……………………………………………………………… 58
4.8 Contamination of water in boreholes and dug wells……………………………… 58
4.9 Mitigation measures……………………………………………………………… 61
CHAPTER FIVE………………………………………………………………………… 63
5.1 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION………………………………………… 63
5.2 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………. 63
5.3 Recommendations……………………………………………………………….. 64
6.0 REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………. 65
7.0 APPENDICES ………………………………………………………………………. 71
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Distribution of water points in Kwale County ...... 16
Figure 2. Map of Kenya showing the project area ...... 19
Figure 3. Map showing boundaries of locations in the study area ...... 20
Figure 4. Map showing distribution of sampled boreholes in study area ...... 21
Figure 5.Mienzeni borehole before renovation...... 42
Figure 6.Mienzeni borehole after renovation ...... 42
Figure 7.Nyamwezi borehole within a cowshed...... 46
Figure 8.Peniopen well ...... 47
Figure 9.Mvumoni well (failed)...... 48
Figure 10.Graphical plot of salinity against distance of water point to the ocean...... 54
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Sample locations, sources and sample identification codes...... ,.….29
Table 2. Summary of number of boreholes and wells in the project area……………….…..34
Table 3. Distribution of boreholes and wells across the project area………………….…….35
Table 4. Biological results of 14 water samples analysed………………………………… ..37
Table 5: Interpretation of bacteriological water analysis reports(Al-Tomi, 2007)………….39
Table 6: Group A category of water (Satisfactory)………………………………………… 40
Table 7: Group B category of water (Doubtful)………………………………………….... .43
Table 8: Group C category of water (Unsatisfactory)……………………………………… 44
Table 9: Physicochemical results of 14water samples………………………………………50
Table 10: Drinking water quality standards according to WHO (2004) and EPA (2002)...... 51
Table 11: Distribution of salinity levels of the sampled boreholes and wells towards the sea
...... 53
Table 12: Summary table showing comparison of water sample results obtained with
WHO guidelines and EPA standards… ...... 58
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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
AMCOW: African Ministers’ Council on Water
ASALS: Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
BH: Bore Hole
BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
BTL: Base Titanium Limited
CDF: Constituency Development Fund
CFC: Coliform Count
DFID: Department for International Development of the United Kingdom
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council
FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization
IGRAC: International Groundwater Resources Assessment Center
JKUAT: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
KARI: Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
KIMAWASCO : Kilifi- Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company Limited
KISCOL: Kwale International Sugar Company Limited
KMD: Kenya Meteorological Department
KWAHO: Kenya Water for Health Organization
KWSP: Kwale Water and Sanitation Project
SCHPTP: South Coast Hand Pumps Testing
KOICA : Korea International Cooperation Agency
NERC: Natural Environment Research Council of the United Kingdom
NGO: Non-Governmental Organization
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OECD: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
RFL: Rural Focus Limited
SIDA: Swedish International Development Agency
SIWI: Stockholm International Water Institute
UNDP: United Nations Development Programme
UN: United Nations
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UoN: University of Nairobi
VIP: Ventilated Improved Pit latrine
WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
WASREB: Water Services Regulatory Board
WHO: World Health Organization
WRMA: Water Resources Management Authority
WSBs: Water Services Boards
WSPs: Water Service Providers 1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Water is crucial for human health and dignity, as a driver for business, for food and energy security and for the ecosystems upon which our societies and continued development depend (SIWI, 2015). It is one of the abundantly available substances in nature and has been regarded as being a vital necessity of life since it forms part of every living cell. At a basic level, everyone needs access to safe water in adequate quantities for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, and sanitation facilities that do not compromise health or dignity (UN,2015).
About 80% of all sickness and disease in the world is caused by inadequate sanitation, polluted water, or unavailability of water while approximately three out of five persons in developing countries do not have access to safe drinking water, and only about one in four has any kind of sanitary facility (WHO, 2004)
This study assess the quality of water in boreholes and dug wells found in Waa location in
Kwale County – Kenya. The performance, functionality status and sanitary conditions of all boreholes and wells are also investigated. Samples from different water points were collected and analyzed for faecal coliform ( Escherichia. coli ), total coliform count, PH, total dissolved solids, turbidity, colour, total hardness, salinity, chloride content, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ . Possible explanations for the functionality status of the water points and quality of water discharged were sought and noted. Finally, the mitigation measures and recommendations were put forward that will ensure that safe, quality drinking water is available for the community. 2
1.1 Background information
The UN-Water (2014) report on a global goal for water notes that, the difficulty of balancing water supply between multiple users and uses will become worse, unless attention is paid to the sustainable use and development of water resources and the ecosystems that provide them. Human activity and the prevailing climatic changes threaten groundwater resources. One billion people do not use a sanitation facility, and instead defecate in the open. Ethiopia as a country reduced open defecation from 92% to 37%
(WHO and UNICEF, 2014a). It is estimated that up to 90% of all wastewater in developing countries is discharged untreated directly into rivers, lakes or the oceans, causing major environmental and health risks (Corcoran et al ., 2010). This has huge social and economic impacts due to increased health care costs and lower labour productivity. Global environment is also impacted by wastewater related emissions of methane and nitrous oxide (Corcoran et al., 2010).
Seawater intrusion on coastal water resources if of concern as there is predicted sea level rise resulting from global warming (Mzunga et al ., 1995). The impact of sea water intrusion at the Kenyan Coast was reported to be increased by the highly porous nature of the underlying coral limestone formation, and reduced rates of groundwater recharge as urban centers and roads are paved (Tole, 1997).
In the study area there is lack of springs, water sheds, dams, rivers or lakes. Hence the groundwater is the main source of domestic water supply (Mzunga et al., 1995). There have been uncertainties on the availability and quality of water due to the fact that boreholes and dug wells have adequate water during rainy season but they dry out or have a lower water level than expected during dry season (Strikker et al., 2012).The scarcity of water is an old problem in the area and as a consequence, a number of boreholes have been dug, but there is scanty information on their registration at WRMA Mombasa. Bureaucratic procedures that are unfriendly to the borehole developers have greatly contributed to registry problems. The authorities accepted this condition as there are insufficient 3 boreholes; hence no drilling profiles of the boreholes are registered although this is mandatory by law (Strikker et al., 2012).
There is a correlation between the quality of some of the groundwater sources developed in
Kwale County, particularly between pit latrine waste and the groundwater system, with respect to the differing geological conditions (Mzunga et al ., 1995). Many hand pumps are non-functional and cannot be fixed due to other available water resources, lack of active water committees, unavailability of spare parts and insufficient funds (Mutua et al ., 2014).
The direct leakage of waste water to groundwater sources in areas where population is growing rapidly is probably higher than is currently known. Since there is very close linkage between ground and surface water, pollution of either source is bound to have a negative effect on the other and hence the need to protect these water sources from pollution. Furthermore, once polluted, cleaning of groundwater is a long and expensive exercise. According to Tole, (1997), the shallow nature and the location of the boreholes in the midst of dense population settlements have made these boreholes susceptible to contamination from septic tanks and pitlatrines.
In essence inadequate and irregular assessment on water quality parameters has made it not possible to document changes that could have occurred since the boreholes were commissioned. There is no single study in Waa location that has been conducted to evaluate the performance and functionality status of all boreholes and wells. Information on linkage of ground water quality with usability in the study area is unavailable from the
Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of health.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Water generally contains microbial load, metallic chlorides, bicarbonates of calcium, magnesium, and dissolved gases in varying levels and degrees. At high concentrations, the constituents of water become pollutants either singly or collectively thereby rendering water unsafe for drinking and other uses. These pollutants result in odour, obstruction of light, and impairment of recreational and domestic uses (Gimba, 2008). Water 4 contamination with Escherichia coli is mostly attributed to low levels of hand washing with soap, with some estimates suggesting four out of five people do not wash their hands after contact with excreta (Freeman et al., 2014).
There is inadequate and irregular monitoring of water quality parameters from boreholes and wells. Periodical changes have not been documented and this jeopardizes water use interventions from the Ministry of Health, County Government and other related players, since they are not absolutely sure of the water quality at a given period of time.
Performance and functionality status of all boreholes and wells are unknown hence no meaningful planning for the water sector can be achieved in the region. The link between various waterborne diseases and the state of water quality supplied by boreholes and dug wells remains unclear to these state agencies. There exists a problem of linking ground water quality with usability. There is a likelihood of poor quality of water found in the few operational boreholes and wells around since from the observations made, the water points were becoming less as time goes by. Moreover, there was still limited understanding and knowledge on groundwater resources in many sub-regions and there existed crucial groundwater management challenges in the region. This study set out to assess the number of functional wells and boreholes in Waa location of Kwale County, and also determine the quality of water in the selected functioning wells and boreholes.
1.3 Justification of the study
The benefits to be derived from the findings are immense as the supplies of drinking water contaminated with sewage or other excreted matter from man and animals may cause diseases like typhoid, cholera and amoebiasis. In the interests of public health, corrective measures will be taken towards those boreholes and wells that recorded poor water quality, so as to restore their ability of discharging clean, quality drinking water to the inhabitants of Waa location. It is impracticable to attempt to detect directly the presence of all the different kinds of water-borne pathogens; hence there was need to carryout laboratory 5 evaluations on water samples. Since boreholes and dug wells are the main sources of water to students in schools and a considerable part of the community’s demand in the area (both for drinking and other purposes like sanitation, livestock), the research is of great importance as it seeks to guarantee safety and alleviate fear for risk of infections from water related illness. These risks decline as the local population becomes informed on which water sources are clean, of good quality and safe for drinking or cooking, and this serves to prevent illness and deaths, thus resulting in reduced health costs. This factor is informed from the observation that close to those water sources are also places for domestic uses like washing, cattle dips, cowsheds, bathrooms and pit latrines whose effects can bring dire consequences to the water users.
Documenting changes that could have occurred in these water points over a time provides a perfect opportunity for stakeholders in the health sector such as MOH to be able to monitor closely boreholes and dug wells consistently posting poor water quality results like extreme salinity levels and be able to decommission them if deemed totally irredeemable.
The research findings can be used by the County Government, the communities and private partners to come up with water management interventions. The study aimed at providing data from which future changes in groundwater quality supplied by boreholes and dug wells in the study area will be gauged and corrected in order to sustain water quality. The contamination factors can be inferred in advance and necessary measures taken to minimize the effects.
1.4 General Objective
The general objective of the study was to assess water quality and the status of boreholes and wells in Waa location in Kwale County – Kenya.
1.4.1 Specific objectives
The specific objectives were to:
1) Assess the number of boreholes and wells that are functioning in Waa location.
2) Assess the state of water quality parameters namely biological pathogens (Total 6
coliforms &Faecal coliforms) and physico-chemical parameters (total hardness,
salinity, chloride content, colour, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved
solids, total alkalinity, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and pH) and document the changes in boreholes &
dug wells around Waa location in Kwale County.
3) Determine the factors contributing to the state of groundwater quality in boreholes and
dug wells around Waa location in Kwale County.
4) Propose ways of mitigating against the deteriorating water quality in boreholes and dug
wells around Waa location.
1.5 Research questions
1) How many boreholes and wells are functioning in Waalocation?
2) What is the state of water quality parameters in terms of biological pathogens (Total
coliforms & Feacal coliforms) and physico-chemical parameters (total hardness,
salinity, chloride content, colour, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved
solids, total alkalinity, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and pH) in boreholes & dug wells around Waa
location in Kwale County?
3) What are the various factors that are responsible for the state of groundwater quality in
boreholes and dug wells around Waa location in Kwale County?
4) What are the possible solutions for the deteriorating water quality in boreholes and dug
wells around Waa location in, Kwale County? 7
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATUREREVIEW
2.0 Global overview and statistics overwater
The total area covered by water on Earth is about 71%. Of this, freshwater resources are approximately 2.5 percent by volume, while the remaining 97.5 percent is saline marine waters. Of the freshwater resources (2.5 percent of the total water resources), about 70 % is in the form of ice and permanent snow cover in mountain regions, 30% is groundwater and only 0.3% is occupied by fresh water lakes and rivers (UN, 2012). Bangladesh, China,
India, Nepal and Pakistan together account for nearly half the world’s total groundwater use (IGRAC,2010).
The OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050 (OECD, 2012a) estimates that by 2050, water demands from manufacturing industries and thermal power generation will increase dramatically, especially in developing countries and the BRICS (the five major emerging national economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). In the manufacturing industry alone, the share of total water demand by 2050 is expected to increase from 7% to
22%. The water demand increase in BRICS will be sevenfold, while in developing countries it will come close to increasing by 400%. In OECD countries, an increase is expected of some65%.
While such increased demand for water can indicate positive economic growth ahead, it also poses huge challenges of how to allocate scarce water between and within different sectors such as industry, energy, agriculture and domestic use. According to the GWP
(2012), “In South Asia, the groundwater boom has also largely been pro-poor, with marginal farmers of holdings smaller than two hectares increasing their groundwater- irrigated area by three times more proportionally than farmers with more than ten hectares of land.” Internationally, water has been a subject of discussion in many conferences which include the Stockholm water week conferences being held in the month of August
8 annually. For instance, each water week conference had a theme on water i.e. “Water and
Food Security” (2012), “Water Cooperation” (2013), “Energy and Water” (2014), “Water for development” (2015), and “Water and Sustainable Growth” in 2016 (SIWI, 2015).
Water is an essential, but easily contaminated, natural resource for human existence and it is one of the earth’s crucial life support systems. The quantities of water required for domestic uses, and especially ingestion, are generally very small compared to those for agriculture and industry: 20 litres per person per day for drinking and personal hygiene is considered to be ‘basic’ access (WHO, 2011). Ideally there is still enough water for all of us, but only so long as we keep it clean, use it more wisely and share it fairly (Planet Under
Pressure, 2012).
Globally, key targets for sustainable WASH identified by a wide stakeholder consultation include: universal access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene; elimination of open defecation and safe management of water and excreta (WHO and UNICEF, 2013).
Access to water and sanitation is recognized as a human right and has long been a central aim of international development policies and targets (UNCESCR, 2003; UNGA, 2010).
As per the Sustainable Development Goal number 6 amongst others, which originated in the Rio+20 Conference in 2012, the main aim is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SIWI, 2015). Almost one-fifth of the world's population – about 1.2 billion people – lives in areas where water is physically scarce (UN-
Water/FAO, 2007). Around the world,748million people lack access to an improved drinking water source, while billions more lack drinking water that is really safe.
In 2012, 2.5 billion people did not have access to an improved sanitation facility and water
(WHO and UNICEF, 2014a). The Millennium Development Goals sought to “halve the proportion of the population without access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation” between 1990 and 2015 (UNGA, 2001). By 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s population could be living under water stressed conditions (FAO, 2008). Over the last two 9 decades,
2.3 billion people are gaining access to an improved drinking water source and 1.9 billion to an improved sanitation facility (WHO and UNICEF, 2014a). Of those gaining access to drinking water, 1.6 billion now use a higher level of service: a piped water supply on premises. For example, an analysis of data from Bosnia and Herzegovina found only 32% of the poorest Roma use an improved source of drinking water compared with 94% of the general population (WHO and UNICEF, 2014a).
By 2030, 47% of world population will be living in areas of high water stress and most population growth will occur in developing countries, mainly in regions that are already experiencing water stress and in areas with limited access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities (UN, 2012). Globally, a small proportion of people, estimated at 6% were primarily relying on bottled water for drinking in 2010 (WHO and UNICEF,
2012). However there are concerns about the environmental sustainability of packaging water (especially the plastic waste) and affordability of this trend. In many lower-income countries, bottled water is a privilege of the wealthy who may resort to it due to lack of trust in the safety of municipal supplies (UN, 2015).
Quality drinking water is one of the essential requirements for good health since it is essential to sustain life when it is adequate, safe and accessible to all. Safe drinking water as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2004) is water that does not present any significant risk to health over lifetime consumption. An estimated 1.8 billion people drink water contaminated with Escherichia coli , an indicator of faecal contamination (Bain et al ., 2014). It is water that is suitable for all usual domestic purposes, including personal hygiene. Water access seems high (>80%) until affordability, reliability, quality and proximity are put into consideration (Rob et al.,2015).
Water is essential for life of man, plants and animals, and from the beginning of civilization, humans have settled close to water sources. Water is such a widespread material that its presence is accepted without question and its importance is only really 10 appreciated when there is a shortage. Water meant for food preparation and drinking must be free from contamination of disease causing organisms and from minerals and organic substances producing adverse physiological effects (David et al., 2013).
According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment on ecosystem continuous supply of water (MEA, 2005b), ecosystem services comprise of four main categories: provisioning
(e.g. clean water), regulating (e.g. flow regulation and flood control), cultural (e.g. recreation) and supporting (e.g. habitat for aquatic species).These factors clearly underscore the undisputable significance of water in the present times.
In spite of outstanding advances in water provision in the last decades, over 80% of wastewater worldwide (and 90% or more in developing countries) is not collected or treated, and urban settlements are the main source of pollution (WWAP, 2012). Effluent from industry is causing pollution to downstream surface-waters and aquifers and major health threats to people (Bahri, 2009). Small-scale industries, such as agro-processors, textile dyeing and tanneries, can release toxic pollutants into local waters (WWAP, 2012).
Deforestation results in degradation and desertification of watersheds and catchment areas, and reduces the amount of usable safe water available downstream (FAO, 2007).
Changing climate is also expected to influence water resource availability and quality, putting more pressure on already stretched resources and increasing the risk of contamination, due, in part, to more frequent and intense flooding (WHO/DFID, 2009).
Coastal cities such as Calcutta, Dhaka, Jakarta and Shanghai are experiencing saltwater intrusion in groundwater supplies due to uncontrolled groundwater abstraction as a result of the inadequacy of public water supply systems. Saltwater intrusion will be exacerbated by the rise in sea-level resulting from climate change (IPCC, 2014). Water shortages during the dry season are leading to overexploitation of groundwater, a situation seen in China
(World Bank, 2007b) and Thailand (World Bank, 2011).
2.2 Continental perspective
Approximately 75% of water supply in Africa is from groundwater (UNESCO, 2008). 11
Currently, only 5% of the Africa’s potential water resources are developed and average per capita storage is 200 m 3 compared to 6,000 m 3 in North America (Sperling and Bahri,
2014). In 2012, three years before the end of MDGs, on average about 36% of the population did not have access to improved water resources and 70% still did not have access to improved sanitation (WHO and UNICEF, 2014b). Human activities, among other factors, have impacted negatively on the status of groundwater quality. For instance, the bacterial qualities of groundwater, pipe borne water and other natural water supplies in
Nigeria have been reported to be unsatisfactory, with coliform counts far exceeding the level recommendation by WHO (Dada et al., 1990, Edema et al., 2001).
Continentally, the significance of water in human life is upheld by the African Union (AU) heads of state in various Summit Declarations such as the AU, 2004 & 2008 and AMCOW
2008. The water value led to the adoption of the African Water Vision 2025 so as to manage Africa’s water resources effectively for sustainable development (UNECA, 2000).
According to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (World Water Day, 2013), Water holds the key to sustainable development, and we must work together to protect and carefully manage this fragile, finite resource.
Decisions and resolutions from many international conferences on water and sanitation have been made. Key among these conferences is the African Union heads of state conference held at Sharm El-Sheikh, EGYPT (2008), which led to Sharm El-Sheikh commitments for accelerating the achievement of water and sanitation goals in Africa. In the conference, the Africa Union heads of states with their respective governments, re- affirmed their commitments to recognize the importance of water and sanitation in social, economic and environmental development of their countries and the Continent; to co- operations and collaborations between international organizations and nations to provide improved sources of water, provision of technical assistance to governments, monitoring among other services. For example there is a global WHO/UNEP network for air and water quality monitoring which is operational in more than 60 countries. Surface and 12 groundwater quality are monitored in 350 cities worldwide. The Sharm El-Sheikh
Commitments by the AU identified key water challenges related to sustainable development in Africa, among them, managing & protecting water resources; achieving water supply & sanitation Millennium Development Goals and financing water & sanitation sector (AU, 2014).
2.3 National perspective
For decades, water scarcity has been a major issue in Kenya, caused mainly by years of recurrent droughts, poor management of water supply, contamination of the available water, and a sharp increase in water demand resulting from relatively high population growth. In many areas, the shortage of water in Kenya has been amplified by the government’s inadequate investment in water, especially in rural areas (World Bank,
2010). There are about 40 million people living in Kenya, of which about 17 million (43 percent) do not have access to clean water.
In many areas, the shortage of water in Kenya has been amplified by the government’s lack of sufficient investment in water, especially in rural areas and most of the urban poor
Kenyans only have access to polluted water (Marshall, 2011). Kenya is a water-scarce country with renewable fresh water per capita at 647 m3 against the United Nations recommended minimum of 1,000 m 3 (Kenya vision 2030). Slightly less than half of the
Kenya’s rural population has access to water, as opposed to the urban population where 85 percent have access to safe and quality water. Due to continued population growth, it has been estimated that by the year 2025, Kenya’s per capita water availability will be 235 cubic meters per year, about two-thirds less than the current 650 cubic meters (World
Bank, 2010).
2.4 Local perspective (Kwale County)
Clean, quality, drinking water is remarkably inadequate in Kwale County. Given the scarcity of the natural surface freshwater sources in the County, efforts have been directed at the construction of earth dams, digging wells and maintenance of a few available 13 perennial springs (Strikker et al ., 2012). Boreholes and dug wells are used extensively by rural communities in the County for the supply of water from the ground as they have provided a considerable part of the community demand both for drinking water and for the other purposes like sanitation and agriculture (Strikker et al ., 2012). The boreholes and dug wells have been suitable in places where the groundwater is not very deep for easy extraction (Strikker et al ., 2012). The unreliable water supply in Kwale County by the state owned water companies (i.e. Kwale Water and Sewerage Company limited and WRMA), has forced private individuals and other partners to drill boreholes and hand dug wells for private and commercial purposes (Tole, 1997).
The critical stakeholders for developing water systems in Kwale County are; Water
Resource Management Authority (WRMA), Tenda Pamoja (NGO), Team and Team
International, Korea International Corporation Agency (KOICA), PLAN International, Red
Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Bios and Water Filters, WASREB and the local communities.
For instance, Tenda Pamoja, a Dutch foundation together with other international foundations such as the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Kenya Water for Health Organization (KWAHO) have invested in the water system of
Kwale County for some time. The SIDA project concentrated on protection of springs, water harvesting systems, dam construction and borehole drilling between 1977 and 1989
(Strikker et al ., 2012). The project drilled 577 boreholes mainly in the coastal strip due to unavailability of water, but out of the 577 boreholes, only 230 are still working although only 60 (10.40%)are in good working condition (Strikker et al ., 2012). The SIDA project was named “KWALE DISTRICT WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROJECT”. 14
The Kwale Water and Sanitation Project (KWSP) was started in 1985 as an extension of the South Coast Hand Pumps Testing Programme (SCHPTP), with the aim of drilling boreholes and installing hand pumps which would be operated by the recipient communities. These pumps would also help in protecting perennial springs. Other aims were to provide assistance to self-help groups on piped water supply schemes; constructing ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines and conducting health education campaigns (Tole,
1997).
Other minor actors in the water sector in Kwale County include; the Ministry of Planning and National Development, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, schools, the Children Department and the Social Services Department of the Ministry of Home
Affairs (Strikker et al ., 2012). These stakeholders have a common interest in the proper management of water resources in the County although they are not visible on the ground.
Otherwise, they have the state authority, investment capabilities, technical knowledge as well as the will and power to keep the system functioning well for a long period if they decide to execute their mandate effectively.
Funding institutions and partners in groundwater research program in Kwale County are
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) of the UK, the UK Economic and Social
Research Council (ESRC), Department for International Development (DFID) of the UK,
Oxford University, Base Titanium Limited (BTL), Kwale International Sugar Company
Limited (KISCOL), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT),
University of Nairobi (UON), Rural Focus Limited (RFL), Kenya Agricultural Research
Institute (KARI), Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and Kwale County (Mutua et al., 2014).
The major groundwater users in the County include the thriving tourism industry (Hotels),
Kenya's largest mine (Kwale Mineral Sands Project) undertaken by Base Titanium company with a peak groundwater abstraction of 5400m 3 per day, the Kwale County 15 which serves a large portion of Kwale County and thousands of hand pump users (Mutua et al., 2014). According to Mutua, 2014, a research titled "Groundwater risks and institutional responses in Kwale County, Kenya in 2013”, large scale commercial agriculture being undertaken by Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (KISCOL) is among the topmost groundwater users in the county. The projection given by KISCOL is 5,000ha of sugarcane to be irrigated in the County at an average demand of 70,000m 3 per day from the projected 26 - 52 boreholes (Mutua et al., 2014).
Alternative drinking water sources in Kwale County comprise of public taps, wells, boreholes, unprotected springs, rain water, tank track, cart/bicycle with jerricans and surface water among others. A complete register of the boreholes does not exist but according to Kwale water point mapping preliminary results 2014, a research done by
Mutua et al., 2014, Kwale County has a considerable number of functioning and nonfunctioning boreholes as shown on the map, Figure1. 16
Figure 1. Distribution of Afridevs (water points) by functionality status in Kwale County . Source: Kwale water point mapping preliminary results, Sept ember 2013(research sponsored by ESRC & DFID)
Areas underlain by coral limestone show contamination at greater distances (up to 150 metres away) compared to areas underlain by sandstones (up to 120 metres away). Over pumping of groundwater has also resulted in encroachment of sea water into the coastal aquifers, and the rise of sea level is expected to compound this problem (Tole, 1997). 17
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS ANDMETHODS
This chapter discusses the research methodology used in this study and provides a general framework for the research. The chapter presents details of the research design, target population, sample size, sampling procedures, description of data collection instruments, data collection procedures and data analysis.
3.0 Research design
The data for this study were obtained from two different sources that is, primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data used include the following;
1) Survey study: A reconnaissance survey was undertaken by the researcher to determine the number and actual locations of the various boreholes and dug wells in Waa location through the use of hand held GPS. A survey was conducted to ascertain the sanitary conditions and status (working or not working) of all the boreholes and dug wells found in the study area.
2) Oral interview: The local administration, village chairmen/women and members of the community were orally interviewed on how they fetch water and perceptions of boreholes and wells. This was to establish the locations of water point names, status and the management measures in place.
3) Experimental design. The samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory to establish the level of contamination by each parameter. The results were used to determine the compliance of different samples with WHO guidelines and EPA standards.
4) Secondary data sources. Secondary data relevant in the study such as WHO guidelines and EPA standards for drinking water were collected through journals, textbooks, magazines, gazettes and internet materials.
5). Sampling technique. A six-man research team was constituted with the researcher as the 18 head of the team: one degree holder in water related issues, one advanced level certificate
Holder working in the laboratory, two senior primary school certificate holder and two locals who doubled up as our drivers using their motorbikes throughout the study period.
The research assistants had two days training to enable them assist in introducing, explaining study objective to the concerned communities and inspecting wells to assess their sanitary conditions.
A purposive and simple random sampling technique were used to select water points to be sampled as there were 48 operational boreholes and dug wells in the study area out of 71 initially identified. Purposive random sampling was used as it provided a better opportunity for the researcher to ensure that key concerns pertaining to sanitation and contamination in boreholes and dug wells from the study area are addressed. Simple random sampling was used to minimize the biasness in borehole and dug well selection, as it gave fairly equal chance for each water point to be sampled.
3.1 Description of the Project Area and scope of study
This research was carried out in Waa location between Magandia Kwale eye clinic center and Map River, before Tiwi market. The area is located in Kwale County, Coastal zone of
Kenya as shown below in figure 2. The study area is approximately bounded by longitudes+39°22'E and +39°36'E and latitudes -4°9'S and -4°30'S. The characteristic vegetation of the area is that of trees and natural grass, and the area is yet to be fully developed.
19
KM 0 100 200 300
Waa Location
Figure 2: Map of Kenya showing the project area - Waa location Source: Google maps
20
Kilometer s
Figure 3: map showing location boundaries of the study area (Source: Authors construct (2016): Admin layers from IEBC, topolayers from ESRI’s Arcgis service online)
21
KM
Figure 4: Map showing distribution of selected sampled boreholes in the study area ( Source ; Author) 22
Waa location has been further subdivided to three sub locations namely;-
1) Kitivo sub location.
The sub location comprise of the following 9 villages.
Key : - Cancellation ( e.g. Nyamwezi ) signify Nonfunctional Borehole/Well
• Kitivovillage.The Waa girls, Kenya calcium, Waa primary, Nyamwezi, Waa
stage mosque, Mwarapayo, Chiembedodo, MaendeleoMvumoni , Osiepe/Mkunazini
petrolstation are functional except Nyamwerzi, Maendeleo Mvumoni wells. B/holes -
Kadhangani/Nyanya, Nyamwezi, Maendeleo Mvumoni) and
• Mwagonga (wells -0, B/holes -Waaboys, Ganzoni, Kumbo/Mwagonga, Gogolo )
• Mwamshipi (wells -Gulandze, B/holes -Gulandze,kwa Mwakibwende/mwakweli,
Mwamshipi/swazuri, Wakati ).
• Maganyakulo (wells - Maganyakulo mosque, Kitauro, B/holes-0)
• Gwirani (wells- 0, B/holes- Gwirani mosque, Magundo/Mwanondo )
• Mkokoni (wells - kwa Chiguruguru, Mwaruwa , Mungai, Mutio,fatumagirigi ,
Munge mosque, Peni, White , B/holes-Busara/Mwadzowa,
Vibambani )
• Kathangani (wells - Kadhangani, Ngapa , Chidzekwa Ismael Zecha, B/holes- 0 )
• Kaya Waa (wells- Gami , Kaya Waa mosque, Kaya Waa comm., Kaya Waa beach,
B/hole – Kaya Waa comm.
• Bowa (wells- Gafa, Mbeto, Madarassa Qadiriya, HaliMwinyi, Roy, Gakurya, Mzee
Hamisi, B/holes- Mshindo/Kidze
The presence of the following institutions (schools and dispensaries) served as physical guides in
accessing the water points found in this sub location are;-
• Waa boys’ secondary school.
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• Waa girls’ secondary school.
• Waa primary school.
• Mkokoni primary school.
• Kenya calcium primary school.
• Swafa primary junior academy (1 –6).
• Irishad integrated primary school (1 –7).
• Bridge international primary school (1 –7).
• Hamjan integrated school –Maganyakulo.
• Taw heed Islamic center – Maganyakulo mosque complex.
2) Kombani sub location.
The sub location comprise of the following 5 villages.
• Matopeni (wells- Kombani joint bar, B/holes-Bowa primary, Bowa
mosque,)
• Majengo mapya (wells- KwaMeja, B/holes- Tiwi bhMafimbo , Tiwi bh
Gasembi,
• Chidzumu (wells- 0, B/holes - Tiwi bh Mapu River, Kidzumumosque )
• Chigongoni (wells - 0, B/holes - , Kitsanze , Mwawasaa )
• Mtsangatifu (wells - Tiwi bh emirates, B/holes -0)
The presence of the following institutions (schools and dispensaries) served as physical guides in accessing the study area;
• Kombani secondary school.
• Kombani primary school.
• Bowa primary school.
• Gagale primary academy
• Mama Amina primary academy.
24
3) Matuga sub location.
This is the largest sub location of the three, and it comprise of the following 11
Villages;
• Mbweka (wells- Mwachileta , B/holes- old Mbweka , New Mbweka , Mwaivu ,
Magombani )
• Tumbula (wells- 0, B/holes-0)
• Makondeni (wells- 0, B/holes-0)
• Kigato (wells- 0, B/holes-0)
• Voroni (wells- Abubakar , B/holes-Mng`ongoni/Bethany )
• Tsunguni (wells - 0, B/holes-0)
• Mwauchi (wells- 0, B/holes-0)
• Ganze (wells- 0, B/holes-0)
• Mwatate (wells- 0, B/holes-0)
• Mienzeni (wells- Magundo/Mwakuwania, B/holes-Mienzeni/Yeje)
• Mabatani (wells- 0, B/holes-0)
Institutions: schools and dispensaries ( 13 in number) found in this sub location are;-
• Matuga girls’ secondary school.
• Matuga primary school.
• Voroni primary school.
• Yeje primary school.
• Mbweka primary school.
• Ganze primary school.
• Matuga polytechnic.
• Vision of hope primary academy.
• Bethany primary academy.
• Abubakar primary school. 25
• Tumbula nursery school.
• Kenya school of government
3.2 Sample size
During the study, a total of 71 boreholes and dug wells in Waa location were identified.
The total target number of water points in the entire study area was made up of 48 working water points (21 boreholes and 27 hand dug wells) distributed across the three sub locations. A Sample size of 14 water points (5 boreholes and 9 hand dug wells) which constituted 30% of the total number of boreholes and hand dug wells in Kombani, Kitivo and Matuga sub locations were selected for the study. This sample was proportionally distributed to each of the three sub locations using the formula below
(Mugenda&Mugenda, 2003).