Determinants of domestic water consumption in a growing urban centre in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Household access to potable water is required for sanitation and general well-being. This challenge is under the influence of variables that play both temporal and spatial roles. This research examines the determinants of domestic water use in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. Ten households each were randomly selected from ten of the fifteen political wards in the town for the administration of 100 copies of questionnaire. Female respondents in the investigation were 84.30%. Factor analysis extracted nine out of the thirty one water use components in the analysis. These variables explain 76.0% of the total variance in domestic water use. Multiple regression analysis shows r2 value of 80.60%. The all-inclusive standardized model generated by stepwise regression analysis showed that five variables are strong predictors of domestic water use in the study area. Water planners need to consider these variables in water supply planning. It is suggested that further investigations be conducted on the quality of water from these sources due to its closeness to the respondents to ensure its fitness for human consumption. Key words: Domestic water demand, water demand modelling, water accessibility, growing town.