IMPACTS OF WATER AND SANITATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE UPPER MARA BASIN

Abstract

The  provision  of  reliable  and  safe  water  supplies  is  an  essential  element  in  improving  the  quality  of  life  for mankind. However, over time the natural resource base has become severely stressed due to unsustainable use of the  resources.  This  study  was  undertaken  to  evaluate  the  impacts  of  water, sanitation  and  hygiene  (WASH)activities on the environment in the upper Mara River basin. Sampled water and sanitation projects were identifiedby observation and Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to map and report on these projects. Impacts of the  projects on  land  and  environmental  quality  were  assessed  using  Land  Quality  Indicators  (LQI);  fresh  water quality, solid  and  liquid  waste  generation  and  management  and  soil  erosion. Water  samples  were  analyzed  for physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters and only 23.4% of sampled water sources were found suitable as domestic water sources. Most open water sources were contaminated with E. coli caused by open defecation in the  basin which  on  average was 38%. The  study  showed  that, 21.3%  of  the  sampled  water  supply  projects  had evidence of soil erosion around them which was mainly caused by livestock overcrowding at water points. Among the  wastewater generating  and management activities in  upper Mara  basin,  Bomet municipal stabilization  pond posed the greatest pollution threat to the environment since it lacked capacity to treat waste water to standards before it overflowed into the environment. This study recommended that WASH project implementers, users and managers should plan for and implement environmentally sustainable projects. In addition, WASH stakeholders in the basin should make integrated and comprehensive efforts to provide improved water sources and sanitation to all the residents.

Key words: water, sanitation, impact, environment