Households' reluctance to collect potable water from improved sources, Ethiopia

Water resources development and management are central to economic growth and poverty reduction. Despite considerable efforts, many households still rely on unimproved water sources. This research aimed to understand the reasons behind household reluctance to collect potable water from improved sources in urban and rural settings. Sixteen water points were selected purposively and a household survey conducted on the selected improved water source users. The result shows that in the urban areas people were satisfied with the water services provided. However, the poor could not afford the high cost of water and households sought unprotected alternative sources. Seventy-seven per cent of the urban and 65% of the rural households collect water from unimproved sources. Family size was the determinant factor for household water consumption from improved sources. Reliability, queuing time, high quality, and distance were associated with households' reluctance to collect potable water from improved sources. In conclusion, households' dependency on unprotected sources had a direct impact on the sustainability of schemes. Social factors are also fundamental when thinking about the sustainability of schemes. HIGHLIGHTS Explains the existing water use trend of households that represent the majority of people in Africa.; Indicated the significance of social factors that are not considered by decision makers and water infrastructure planners.; People are traveling to search unprotected sources that indicated water is a matter of survival or death than in need.; Improved sources to save life and productive time of women and children.