Determinants of potable water consumption in rural areas of Machakel District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study examined the determinants of potable water consumption in rural areas of Machakel district. Consumption of potable water with adequate quantity is a basic requirement for human wellbeing. Potable water consumption in terms of per capita consumption and influencing factors are not well studied in remote rural areas. The study used a cross sectional survey design. Structured interviews of 293 sample respondents were conducted, who were selected using probability sampling technique. This was supplemented by key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to analyse potable water consumption and identify socio economic, demographic and water use determinants of potable water consumption in the study areas. The result show that most of the household heads used protected hand dug wells, protected springs and protected shallow wells. The average per capita water consumption was to be 14.06 litters per day from protected water sources. Household size, education, types of water sources and waiting time at the water sources had been significantly affecting per capita potable water consumption per day in the study area. Thus, local level decision makers should consider these variables in the process of potable water supply.