Status of domestic water supply and prospects of rainwater harvesting in Southeastern Nigeria

Two major cities (Enugu and Abakaliki) in Southeastern Nigeria were investigated in order to ascertain rainwater harvesting practices and prospects for supplementing available supply. The methods employed include: distribution of questionnaires for the determination of water consumption and supply specifics, and rainwater harvesting practices; and use of optimisation to maximise water storage for dry season supply. The per capita water consumption for Enugu was 23.7 lpcd, 34.45 lpcd, and 67.05 lpcd for low income, middle income and high income groups respectively; while that for Abakaliki was 15.56 lpcd, 28.08 lpcd, and 50 lpcd respectively for the three income groups. In Enugu, 47%, 61.8% and 37.9% of the low income, middle income and high income groups respectively practice RWH. While in Abakaliki, the corresponding proportions are 67.2%, 48.8% and 46.9%. Rainwater can meet 100% of the water consumption of low income group of both cities for bungalows and up to five-storey buildings housing 72 residents.