Evaluating Environmental and Public Health Outcomes of Water Resources Development and Household Water Utilization in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined domestic water access, water quality, environmental impacts, and associated health outcomes in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 450 households across urban core, peri-urban, and peripheral zones achieved a response rate of 96.8%. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics and laboratory water quality assessment, while qualitative methods explored institutional and governance dynamics. Results show heavy dependence on groundwater sources, with boreholes (42.4%) and hand-dug wells (24.2%) dominating household supply. Only 18.7% reported piped water access and 21.3% experienced reliable service. Mean per capita consumption was 46.7 L/person/day, below recommended standards. Although physicochemical parameters were largely within guideline limits, nitrate exceedance occurred in 18.4% of groundwater samples, and microbial contamination was widespread. Environmental impacts included groundwater depletion (43.1%), surface water pollution (46.4%), and seasonal well failure (37.8%). Household-reported disease prevalence indicated malaria (58.2%), diarrhea (34.7%), and suspected schistosomiasis (12.4%), with higher occurrence among users of shallow wells and surface water. The findings demonstrate that reliance on self-supply groundwater combined with declining infrastructure reliability contributes to water insecurity and health risks. Integrated water management, infrastructure rehabilitation, water quality monitoring, and community health education are recommended to enhance urban water sustainability.