Groundwater Management, Conservation and Storage Interventions in Rural Communities in Ghana (A Case Study in Keta Municipality)

Abstract

The quality of the source protection measures is an important component in controlling whether pathogens may be present in the final drinking water. All the respondents agreed that water resources are indispensable and resources to the survival of all living things and generally ought to be protected from pollution or contamination. The need to judiciously and sustainably use water, an indispensable resource to the global ecosystem, is increasingly being recognized globally by governments, policy planners, civil organizations and individuals. About 30% of the respondents said that there exist water management associations in the communities to ensure the judicious utilization of water and to help manage the available water facilities. However, 31% expressed a contrary view on water conservation in their communities. They contended that there were no existing water management associations in their communities. However, 39% believed that regulating the use of water would go a long way to promote the sustainable use of water. It was recommended that restricting access by both humans and animals to the headworks is also important to reduce risks of contamination and thus all sources should be enclosed by a fence.