Assessment of Household Sanitation and Water Management Practices in Some Communities of Bauchi Local Government, Nigeria

Access to proper sanitation facilities is essential for public health and human dignity. Even though there have been global and national efforts to enhance sanitation coverage, there's still a significant lack of routine data that could help guide decisions about household sanitation and public health, especially in rural areas of Bauchi State. This study aims to assess the household sanitation infrastructure in several communities within Bauchi local government, Nigeria. We surveyed 118 households using a structured questionnaire, which was delivered in person with the assistance of trained field workers. Key factors examined included access to toilets, sources and storage of water, waste management practices, and hygiene habits. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and applied systematic random sampling. The results revealed that a majority of households (92%) have toilets, primarily pit latrines with slabs (51) and flush toilets (46), although 8% still resort to open defecation. The main sources of water are boreholes/tube wells (34%) and public taps (30%), with some households also depending on rivers and streams (15%). While many families store water safely in covered containers, 60% consume untreated water, which raises health concerns. Waste management practices differ; some households compost or reuse food waste, while others burn or dispose of it openly. Awareness of hygiene is quite high, with 90% having handwashing facilities and 85% using soap, yet only 40% treat their drinking water. Overall, sanitation and hygiene levels are decent but need improvement in water treatment and waste disposal practices. This study has provided evidence-based recommendations that can be used to inform local sanitation policies and interventions.