An Investigation of the Health Risks Associated with Drinking Untreated Water in Kaduna State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
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- Table of Content: Available
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for public health, yet a significant portion of Kaduna State’s population relies on untreated water sources for daily consumption. Rivers, wells, and boreholes often serve as primary water sources, but many of these are contaminated with pathogens, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation practices (Bashir & Usman, 2023).
Drinking untreated water exposes individuals to a range of health risks, including waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and hepatitis A. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), contaminated drinking water is a leading cause of diarrheal diseases, which significantly contribute to child mortality in developing regions. In Kaduna State, recurrent outbreaks of cholera and typhoid have been linked to unsafe drinking water, yet many residents continue to consume untreated water due to lack of awareness, financial constraints, or inadequate access to potable water sources (Ali & Musa, 2024).
Efforts have been made to improve water quality through government-led initiatives such as water treatment plants and borehole drilling projects, but these measures remain insufficient to meet the growing demand. Understanding the health risks associated with untreated water consumption and the factors influencing water treatment behaviors is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of untreated water consumption in Kaduna State and its associated health risks, while also exploring possible solutions to improve water safety.
Statement of the Problem
In Kaduna State, a significant number of residents lack access to safe drinking water, relying instead on untreated sources such as rivers, streams, and unprotected wells. Water contamination from industrial waste, sewage infiltration, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure has led to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases (Ahmed & Ibrahim, 2023). Despite awareness of these risks, many households continue to consume untreated water due to factors such as affordability, accessibility, and traditional beliefs.
The government and non-governmental organizations have implemented water treatment initiatives, but uptake remains low, and many communities still lack reliable water purification methods. There is a pressing need to investigate the health risks associated with untreated water consumption, identify barriers to water treatment, and propose sustainable solutions to ensure access to safe drinking water.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the prevalence of untreated water consumption in Kaduna State.
- To analyze the health risks associated with drinking untreated water.
- To evaluate strategies for improving access to safe drinking water.
Research Questions
- What is the prevalence of untreated water consumption in Kaduna State?
- What are the health risks associated with drinking untreated water?
- What measures can be implemented to improve access to safe drinking water?
Research Hypotheses
- Drinking untreated water significantly increases the risk of waterborne diseases.
- Limited access to safe drinking water contributes to high morbidity rates in Kaduna State.
- Effective water treatment and sanitation programs reduce the prevalence of waterborne illnesses.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the health risks of drinking untreated water in Kaduna State, with an emphasis on rural and peri-urban communities where access to potable water is limited. Data will be gathered through health records, water quality assessments, and household surveys.
Limitations include the potential difficulty in obtaining accurate self-reported data on water consumption habits, variability in water contamination levels across different areas, and the challenge of isolating waterborne disease cases from other health determinants.
Definition of Terms
- Untreated Water: Water that has not undergone purification or disinfection processes before consumption.
- Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by consuming contaminated water, including cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
- Potable Water: Water that is safe for drinking and free from harmful contaminants.
- Water Treatment: The process of purifying water to remove harmful bacteria, chemicals, and impurities.
- Sanitation Infrastructure: Facilities and services designed to improve hygiene and prevent contamination of water sources.
