An Integrated Assessment of Sanitation Infrastructure, WASH Practices, and Water Quality in Omu-Aran, Nigeria

Abstract

Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure and practices are vital for public health and environmental protection. This study investigated sanitation infrastructure, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) knowledge and practices, water quality and associated health implications in Omu-Aran, Nigeria. A total of 423 respondents were surveyed using a structured questionnaire, water samples from a well, borehole, and stream were collected during the dry and rainy seasons of 2025 and analysed for pH, trace metals (cadmium, copper, and iron), and nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate). Findings revealed inadequate sanitation infrastructure, with 42.5% of the respondents relying on pit latrines and 30.83% practicing open defecation, and 56.67% lacked adequate waste disposal services. High malaria (56.67%) and typhoid (17.5%) prevalence reflect the health hazards of poor WASH conditions. All water sources exhibited highly alkaline pH (8.13-10.80). While trace metals were generally lower in stream water, iron (0.33-5.26 mg/L) and cadmium (0.0035-0.50 mg/L) exceeded WHO recommended limits across all sources, posing significant health risks. Nitrate and phosphate in stream water indicate nutrient enrichment and eutrophication risk. Omu-Aran’s WASH infrastructure and water quality are in a critical state, requiring urgent interventions including improved sanitation infrastructure, community-led maintenance, and household water treatment practices to safeguard public health.