Dependence of Rural Communities on Unsafe Water Sources - Case study of Tinda Village, Northeastern Nigeria

Accessibility of rural dwellers, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to basic water services has been a significant challenge over the years, thereby contributing significantly to the high mortality rates associated with waterborne disease recorded in the region. Recent information is required about the state of water facilities in some of these marginalized communities to proffer sustainable solutions. This community-based survey explored the water services available to rural dwellers in Tinda village, Gombe State. Data was collected via participant and community observation. Grab water samples were also obtained and analyzed for physicochemical and bacteriological parameters using standard methods. The village lacked an improved drinking water source. The major source present was a dam, while other sources available were a river and an unsanitary well. The surface water samples were turbid and coloured, while the well water was slightly turbid and coloured. The lead, iron, and manganese levels of the surface water samples were above WHO permissible limits. E.coli was detected in both the river and well water samples, while salmonella sp. was detected in all the water sources. Disinfection of the water samples with a water guard (local chlorine disinfectant) significantly reduced the microbial load. However, the water was still unsafe for drinking. The current state of water facilities in Tinda village is deplorable. With the primary water sources polluted with both heavy metals and microbes, the health of rural dwellers remains at stake.