Rainwater Harvesting Potential for Domestic Water Supply in Edo State

In the face of increasing scarcity of water resources, there is a need for communities to undertake audits of their current rainwater harvesting potential as a practical and promising alternative solution for water shortage. Despite the importance of rainwater harvest in socio-economic development of communities, very little information exists in the literature concerning it. This paper is an attempt to bridge this gap by examining the techniques and materials used for rainwater harvest with a focus on the geographical spread of its use and an analysis to support its wide acceptance by considering a case study from Edo State. Investigations also relate to health implications of rainwater harvest and impact on food production. Also, examined are institutional arrangements and policies guiding water supply and distribution in the state as opposed to rainwater harvest. The total volume of water supplied by the rain (in gallons), and the volume of conserved were evaluated from hydro-meteorological data collection system and through a survey in different senatorial districts of the state. The results of the analysis show that majority of the people empty their tanks mid-way into the dry season, suggesting that the current volume of the tanks is not enough to sustain the people with water during the dry season period. New constructions of bigger tanks are therefore recommended, particularly for families who use harvested rainwater for cassava processing.