Alternative Water Supply Systems and Household Water Security in the Krowor Municipality of Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract

The disparity in water supply which creates household water insecurity, makes a case to highlight the usefulness of water supply systems to water security. Informed by the rational choice theory and capability approach, the study examined alternative water supply systems for household water security in the Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study adopted a mixed methods approach and employed stratified and systematic random and purposive sampling procedures. A sample of 395 households and five key informants were drawn for this study. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were employed for quantitative analyses, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative analyses. The results revealed that in periods of water supply shortages for domestic water needs, households use alternative water supply systems for their household water security. The availability of reservoirs and water tanks as alternative water supply systems predominates, but the water tank (Poly tank) is the most preferred alternative water supply system for household water security. Furthermore, households’ choice of alternative water supply systems is influenced by water security reasons (accessibility, availability, affordability) for their household water security. Other determinants such as household income level, location and time spent in water collection, cost of purchasing water and seasonal variations are invariably associated with households' preferred alternative water supply systems. In addition, alternative water supply systems have positively influenced water shortages, water scarcity, stress and vulnerabilities, productive activities and dependency on conventional water supply systems for household water security. The study recommends the urgent need for collective usage of the identified alternative water supply systems for household water security, while, at the household level, there should be investment in mini water storage tanks and water installations at public vantage points to store water for domestic needs in times of water insecurity in the Municipality.