Surface water quality and usage in Rwamwanja refugee settlement and adjacent villages.

Abstract

This study assessed the quality and utilization of surface water sources in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement and the adjacent villages within Kamwenge district in Uganda. Field sampling was carried out at the surface water sources used for domestic and livelihood purpose. Water quality parameters were analyzed and the results compared against the WHO water quality standards. Structured questionnaires were also used in capturing the water usage patterns and preferences. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical difference between the water quality parameters in the refugee camp and the host community was determined using t- tests. Chi-square tests were used to determine any relationships between the surface water uses and the different social categories, Cramer’s V tests values were also used to determine the association strength and the significant variables. Binary logistic model was used in analyzing the influence of the social categories on water usage. The temperature in host community sources exceeded those in refugee settlements (Ponds: 24.4 ± 2.7 °C > 17.85 ± 2.65 °C, Swamps: 22.75 ± 0.42 °C > 20.8 ± 0.63 °C, and streams: 23.04 °C > 21.53 °C). The host sources were neutral in pH (Ponds: 7.08 ± 0.14; Swamps: 7.15 ± 0.08), while the ones in the refugee settlement had a variation (7.84 ± 0.87). EC levels ranged between 107.87 μS/cm-264.20 μS/cm. TDS in the swamps within refugee swamps was higher than those in the host community (634.95 ± 510.05 mg/L > 355.95 ± 171.05 mg/L. Turbidity levels were significantly higher in refugee sources (Ponds: 290 ± 8 NTU in refugee settlement > 53.2 ± 34.5 NTU in host communities, and streams: 134.07 NTU in refugees > 24.50 NTU in host communities). The refugee swamps and streams had higher TP levels (Swamps: 1.13 ± 1.07 mg/L; Stream: 2.05 mg/L). Nitrogen concentrations were more balanced with swamps in refugee settlement having 3.02 ± 1.72 mg/L while swamps in the host community having 3.06 ± 2.04 mg/L. COD levels ranged between 17 mg/L (swamp 3) and 164.17 mg/L (stream 1) while BOD ranged from 0.65 mg/L (pond 2) to 50.32 mg/L (stream 1). Mean T. Coli count between settlement refugee and host community was almost identical (136 ± 16 and 135 ± 15 CFUs/100 mL). E. coli levels were substantial within the host community (pond 3: 12 CFUs/100 mL and stream 2: 129.33 CFUs/100 mL). Sex, household numbers and education level influenced water usage. Most physico-chemical properties of the water sources were relatively similar between the refugee settlement and the host villages. The study recommends water treatment before usage, protection of the water sources and improvement of water infrastructure within the area.