A STUDY OF RESIDENTS PERCEPTION TOWARDS MAIN WATER SOURCES ALONG THE VOLTA RIVER- THE CASE OF SOUTH TONGU DISTRICT

Abstract

The present study is an investigation of use of water, water sources, and relationship with location of residents in the South Tongu district, Ghana. The study used quantitative approach and used survey method for data collection. Based on the sampling approach administered in the three communities along the Volta River namely Fievie, Sogakofe and Tordzikpota, The study generated a usable sample of 160 respondents. The reliability of the measure was tested with internal method of Cronbach alpha and we found satisfactory result. the result shows that along the three communities, river water was used as the main source. The key reasons for using the water source included river being the only source and its proximity to the residence. In terms of perception regarding quality of water, the respondents show that the communities we surveyed mostly considered water clean based on its physical appearance and taste. Overall, result shows that in the communities we surveyed, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the quality of water and its improvement methods thus exposing the community to the water borne diseases. Keywords: Water, Diseases, Clean, Volta River, Community, Ghana.