An Assessment of the Potential of Rainwater Harvesting as a Sustainable Water Supply Method in Ekpoma, Nigeria

Abstract

Many rural areas lack access to reliable sources of clean water. This is the case in Ekpoma where available surface water is a distant river and water abstraction from a borehole is not viable because of the low water table.  Rainwater harvesting can provide a sustainable and decentralized solution to this problem. By assessing the potential for rainwater harvesting, we can better understand how to leverage this natural resource to meet their water needs. This study examined Rainwater Harvesting as a Sustainable water supply method in Ekpoma with distant rivers and a low water table. Rainwater Samples harvested from different roof types were analysed for physical, biological, and chemical characteristics. The results were compared with the World Health Organisation (WHO)  and the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMenv) values. Available water quantity was estimated from the roof area using rainfall data from the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMeT). Water demand for an average household of seven (7) over four (4) months of no rainfall was estimated. Ground reservoir storage capacity that will be sufficient was estimated to be 80.64m^3.  The results showed that the samples for all roof types- asbestos, normal zinc, and aluminum had higher iron, lead, and turbidity than the acceptable values of FMenv. An aluminum roofing sheet, having a Water Quality Index of 7.832, was recommended alongside some suitable treatments such as reversed osmosis and chlorination, as the cost of treatment is low. The significance of assessing rainwater harvesting lies in its potential to address water scarcity, mitigate environmental impact, support socioeconomic development, and empower the community.