Assessment of Point of Use Household Water Treatment Technologies in Nzoia River Basin, Kenya

Waterborne diseases caused by consumption of unsafe drinking water are a major health burden in most of the developing countries in the world. Lack of safe water perpetuates poverty. Safe drinking water and sanitation are the condition for physical health and intellectual, social and economical development. Point-of-use (POU) water treatment has been advocated as a means to substantially decrease the global burden of diarrhea and to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study aims at assessing the point of use household water treatment technologies in Nzoia River Basin, Kenya. A survey research design was adopted and data collected for a period of 5 months. Total of 403 households were surveyed. Qualitative data was descriptively analyzed while quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). 62 % of the respondents used improved water sources (3 % piped water into dwellings, 7 % water piped into compound, yard or plot, 3 % public tap/standpipe, 6% tube well or borehole, 11% protected dug well, 31% protected spring and 1% rainwater collection). 38% used un-improved water sources (10 % unprotected dug well, 19 % unprotected spring, 1% tanker truck/cart with small tank, 8 % surface water - river, dam, lake, pond, stream, canal). For the (POU) water treatment technologies, 29% used chlorination with safe storage, 12% ceramic filteration candles, 2% combined coagulation/chlorine disinfection systems (PUR), 2% solar water disinfection (SODIS), and 1% bios and filteration (concrete). 54% of the respondents used the option of boiling to make household drinking water safe. Majority of respondents use improved water sources and chlorination with safe storage is the most preferred POU water treatment technology