Analysis of Rain Water Quality for Water Supply: A Case Study of Central Uganda Region

Abstract

Water shortage is a big challenge in most of the developing countries. Water scarcity problems are mainly faced by Arid and semi-arid regions. Based on precipitation intensity data of many places across the globe, it is evident that rainwater is a potential solution to water scarcity. The thesis investigated the quality of rainwater harvested for water supply in Uganda, and suggests policy recommendation for this cheap and effective source of water supply for developing economies. A questionnaire was used to understand the public’s perception about rain water quality, regulation, practice and perceived risks of contamination. Samples of direct rain, roof runoff and surface runoff were collected for two months and taken to the laboratory for a selected physical, chemical and biological analysis. The laboratory analytical results show that surface runoff is highly contaminated as compared to roof runoff and direct rain respectively, direct rain and roof runoff have a slightly acidic pH as compared to average pH of 6.8 recorded in surface runoff. Generally all samples exhibited low concentrations of heavy metals. There was zero detection of fecal coliforms in direct rain and 100% detection of fecal coliforms in both roof and surface runoff samples. In order to have rainwater of good quality that can be put to use for different purposes, possible risks/sources of contamination should be identified and prevented and an appropriate treatment method should be used.