Diagnostic Assessment on availability and Utilisation of water Resources: A case study of Kisumu County and 20km adjacent area
- November 11, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS Team
- Categories: Civil Engineering, IJRSI
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue X, October 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705
Michael Omondi Owen
Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, University of Nairobi- Nairobi Kenya
Abstract— Water crisis keeps looming because of the intense pressure on water sources. The purpose of this research is diagnosis of available water resources in Kisumu County and to make sure that the area drinking water needs at all time. Without indigenous practices, knowledge is limited. It is important to recognise that the planning of water supply resources cannot be done in isolation of other water demands in the various existing and potential source areas. The domestic water supply demand has been estimated specifically for the present situation. The objective of the diagnostic assessment is to provide the information necessary for the development of sustainable water resources plans for the County and its environs.
Water production is not really the main issue since most times the tanks are full but distribution. The demand exists but the distribution infrastructure is not able to satisfy it. Through exploiting the available water resources continually to meet the increasing water demands experienced in the city both during dry and wet seasons would result in a steady supply of water thereby helping the city in the implementation of sustainable development goal no 6. The biggest gap is under-investment in water storage and water infrastructure which is not in line with the population as well as the development of the area. There are opportunities for the development of water resources that could provide a source of water for Kisumu County.
Keywords— Climate change, Hydrology, Kisumu County, Water Balance, Water Resources
I. INTRODUCTION
Provision of adequate water has been a concern since civilisation. Local supplies being inadequate in ancient cities, aqueducts were built to convey water from distant sources. Provision of water responds to part of the need since most natural waters are not suitable for direct consumption as a result of urbanisation.
Access to safe and reliable water is a vital human right but this should not mean free water. Governments ought to purpose to make available to all families basic water required for sustaining existence as well as health [4].Domestic water demand is at the core of both the waste water and the water resources planning. Sometimes water use are less than water needs, for example when there is not enough water in the river. A times water use are greater than water needs, for example, in agriculture when farmers are abstracting more water than crops need. This distinction is sometimes difficult to make.
