Factors Affecting Clean and Safe Water Availability in Butansi and Namasagali Sub-Counties of Uganda

Abstract

<p>Boreholes are the only source of water for many residents of the Kamuli district of Uganda. They are the safest form of water for almost all residents of Kamuli. Iowa State University – Uganda Program (ISU-UP), a local non-profit has installed 18 boreholes in different communities in the Kamuli district. While boreholes are critical for life, information about their success is required for appropriate monitoring and evaluation. The objective of this research was to survey community members to better understand the number of residents using the boreholes as their primary water source, their uses of the boreholes and what prevents them from using the boreholes. Overcrowding is the largest problem facing water users in Kamuli, with 85% reporting overcrowding as the largest problem they face. Ground water tends to be safer, but it still can be contaminated. 47.5% of people do not treat their borehole water, and most of those people report that it is because they believe borehole water is safe. Other reported issues affecting borehole use are water hardness and broken boreholes. With a better understanding of why community members use or do not use boreholes, ISU-UP will be able to implement solutions to make borehole water more accessible.</p>