EVALUATION OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND HEALTH IMPLICATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE

TOPIC: EVALUATION OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND HEALTH IMPLICATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1. Department of Public Health
2. Department of Environmental Health Science
3. Department of Community Health
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/Citations
3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnaire

ABSTRACT 
This study was carried out to examine the evaluation of drinking water sources and health implication for primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State. The study was specifically carried out to identify the major sources of drinking water available to primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, assess the quality and safety of drinking water sources used by primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, determine the prevalence of water-related health problems among primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area and assess the relationship between poor drinking water sources and the occurrence of health-related issues among primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area. The study employed the descriptive research design. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, mean scores, standard deviation, Pearson Chi-square and t-test statistical tools. The population of the study consists of 7,840 respondents comprising 7,800 primary school pupils and 40 health teachers in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area. A total of 381 respondents were selected as sample size using Taro Yamane formula, while multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling methods was used for the selection of respondents. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that borehole water, well water, stream or river water, rainwater, sachet water, and protected water sources were the major drinking water sources available to primary school pupils with mean scores above the cutoff mean of 3.0. The study also revealed that the quality and safety of drinking water sources significantly influenced pupils’ health status with Pearson Chi-square result of r = 0.592, t = 14.18 and P = 0.004. The study further revealed that water-related health problems were significantly prevalent among primary school pupils with r = 0.647, t = 16.02 and P = 0.003. The study therefore recommends that government agencies, school authorities, and community stakeholders should provide and maintain safe drinking water facilities, ensure regular water quality monitoring, promote hygiene education, and implement sustainable water management practices to reduce water-related health problems among primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area.
Keywords: Drinking Water Sources, Water Quality, Health Implications, Primary School Pupils, Rural Communities.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
Water is one of the most critical natural resources for human survival and development of the society. Throughout history, access to water has influenced population growth, economic activities, environmental sustainability, and public health outcomes. Water plays a very crucial function in the human body including physiological needs, sanitation and general welfare, (Ahmed et al. (2023). In the same vein, Effiong et al., (2022) reported that water availability plays a crucial role in social development, education and the enhancement of living standards. Water is not only consumed but is also used for domestic, agriculture, industrial and recreational purposes which support human life. Morayo et al. (2025) found that water availability and quality are vital factors in community development and quality of life. Similarly, Baba et al. (2025) pointed out that water is essential for sustaining populations and contributing to sustainable development efforts. The importance of understanding the importance of water promoting human welfare is growing as societies continue to progress, especially in the context of the different ways water is being acquired and used by different population groups.
Water plays a central role in human life and has gained immense attention regarding drinking water and the sources of drinking water. Drinking water is water that is safe to drink and use for domestic purposes without risk to health. Sarkingobir et al., (2023) reported that drinking water can be obtained from rivers, streams, lakes, springs, wells, boreholes and piped water sources. The characteristics, accessibility and utilization of these sources vary from community to community. According to Kamgba et al., (2023), water sources refer to places where people and households collect water for household use and as drinking water. Addie (2025) also emphasized the need to comprehend the characteristics of drinking water sources for evaluating water availability and usage in various contexts. Omoregie et al. (2025) further affirmed that the selection of water source is usually dependent on the geographical, environmental and socio-economic situations of a locality. Thus, the analysis of drinking water sources is a useful way to gain insight into the way communities obtain water and the factors influencing water use.
With the drinking water being a basic need of life, the relationship between this and human health, particularly children has become a point of concern. Health implication: The effect or consequence of a condition, activity or environment that has the potential to impact the health of an individual or population. Water is an important factor in many aspects of physical health, body function and well-being (Otorkpa et al., 2024). Jovita et al. (2025) said that children need access to safe drinking water for growth, cognition, and to be able to participate in education. Similarly, Da-Silva et al. (2025) have stated that water quality is one of the key factors affecting child health and development. Moreover, Ahmed et al. (2023) pointed out that evaluations of health impacts related to water intake help in understanding how the environment can impact health. As childhood is a key period of life development, the health situation of primary school children is closely related to the quality and availability of the drinking water in their surroundings.
The relationship between drinking water sources and health has attracted increasing interest in rural settings where patterns of water access are often shaped by local environmental conditions. Rural communities tend to have fewer people per unit area and depend more heavily on the natural resources for their daily needs. The rural population often relies on complimentary sources of both surface and groundwater water for domestic and institutional water supply as reported by Morayo et al. (2025). In Taraba State especially in the rural communities of Wukari local government area primary school students get drinking water from various sources which are part of their daily life. Baba et al. (2025) noted that analyzing the local water sources can offer insights into the local water-use practices and environment. Furthermore, Kamgba et al. (2023) argued that community-based investigations are crucial for providing background to the water utilization pattern among children. Hence, an assessment of drinking water sources and its impact on the health of the primary school children in the rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State is of paramount importance in order to produce local knowledge of the interaction between water resources and child health in the study area.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Safe drinking water is a basic need for life and good health, especially in places where water plays a pivotal role in everyday domestic and institutional life. In schools, providing clean water often is directly related to the comfort, hygiene habits and overall learning environment of the students. Water is a major factor in human development and wellbeing particularly when it is abundant and of acceptable quality as highlighted by Ahmed et al. (2023) and Effiong et al. (2022). Morayo et al., (2025) and Baba et al., (2025) added that water is one of the essential factors in determining the health of the people and development of the community in a sustainable manner. Ideally, Primary School learners should be able to access safe and hygienic drinking water continuously throughout their school and home settings, to ensure healthy growth and effective learning outcomes.
However, many rural communities are still drinking water from a variety of sources some of which are not regulated and may not always satisfy recommended drinking water safety standards. Sarkingobir et al., (2023) and Kamgba et al., (2023) reported that the quality of rural water sources like stream, wells and borewells is highly dependent on the environment to which they are exposed and also on the way they are maintained. In many instances these sources can be contaminated by human activity, agricultural run-off and poor sanitation. Addie (2025) and Omoregie et al. (2025) reported that in rural communities, the choice and utilization of water sources are largely determined by accessibility than safety. Most rural school contexts indicate that there is a gap between what is acceptable in terms of safe water and how it is being used by students due to lack of infrastructure for treated water provision.
The continued use of unprotected or poorly monitored water supplies by primary school children in rural areas, is a concern for potential health effects and the effectiveness of current water management practices. Da-Silva et al. (2025) and Jovita et al. (2025) highlighted the heightened susceptibility of children, as their immature immune systems and exposure profiles make them more vulnerable to health risks associated with water. Also, Otorkpa et al. (2024) and Morayo et al. (2025) revealed that the poor assessment of drinking water sources poses a challenge in formulating effective intervention measures for improved child health outcomes. There is limited empirical evidence on the local sources of drinking water that primary school children use in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State and the health consequences. This study aims to fill this gap by comprehensively assessing the drinking water sources as well as its health impacts on the primary school children of the rural communities of the area and, thus, evidence that can inform policy and interventions.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to examine the drinking water sources and health implication for primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State. The specific objectives of the study seek:
1.Identify the major sources of drinking water available to primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area.
2.Assess the quality and safety of drinking water sources used by primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area.
3.Determine the prevalence of water-related health problems among primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area.
4.Assess the relationship between poor drinking water sources and the occurrence of health related issues among primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of drinking water sources, types and availability of drinking water sources, quality and safety of drinking water, health implications of unsafe drinking water, and the health implications of drinking water sources for primary school pupils in rural communities etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY  (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprised respondents, including primary school pupils and health teachers in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 381 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling methods to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as Pearson Chi-square and t-test, were used to test the hypotheses.
Full outline for chapter three:
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size
3.4 Sampling Technique
3.5  Instrument for Data Collection
3.6 Validity of the Instrument
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument
3.8 Method Of Data Collection 
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
3.10 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made: 

i. The study found that the major sources of drinking water available to primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area include borehole water, well water, stream and river water, rainwater, sachet water, and protected water sources, as evidenced by mean scores ranging from 3.21 to 3.65, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.684, t-value of 17.65, and p-value of 0.002 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

ii. The study found that the quality and safety of drinking water sources used by primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area significantly differ, as evidenced by mean scores ranging from 3.12 to 3.42, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a t-value of 2.16 and p-value of 0.032 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

iii. The study found that water-related health problems are prevalent among primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, as evidenced by mean scores ranging from 3.29 to 3.54, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.647, t-value of 16.02, and p-value of 0.003 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

iv. The study found that poor drinking water sources are significantly related to the occurrence of health-related issues among primary school pupils in rural communities of Wukari Local Government Area, as evidenced by mean scores ranging from 3.42 to 3.73, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.592, t-value of 14.18, and p-value of 0.004 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary 
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Limitations of the Study
5.5 Recommendations
5.6 Suggestions for Further Studies

Reference

Appendix

UPLOADED BY MIRACLE