Analysis of water security and source preferences in rural Tanzania

Abstract The public health and well-being of people in many rural communities in developing countries suffer due to poor water resources management and undesirable agricultural practices. This study was conducted in a pastoral community in northern Tanzania. The objective was to identify the most reliable water source in terms of quality and access from three main water sources: surface water, shallow wells, and deep wells. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to assess the overall water quality and was determined to be 1,876, 875 and 157, respectively, for surface water, shallow wells, and deep wells (<50 – excellent, >300 – poor). A Water Poverty Index (WPI) tool was used to quantify five factors that limit access to water: (1) seasonal availability, (2) distance to water sources, (3) cost of purchasing water, (4) preference, and (5) water quality. WPI scores indicated that surface water has the highest score followed by shallow wells; deep wells had the lowest score. In conclusion, in terms of access and quantity, deep wells and shallow wells were the least reliable, and surface water although highly contaminated, is the most reliable. Improving water quality and access of existing water resources is critical to improving the well-being of rural populations.