Comparative Evaluation of Public and Private Water Supply Systems and Institutional Framework in Uyo Capital City, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study investigates access to water supply services in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It aims to identify the major sources of water supply, assess the quality and safety of the water accessible to residents, and examine the infrastructural and institutional factors influencing water availability. The study adopts a qualitative research design, incorporating household surveys, key informant interviews, field observations, and laboratory analysis of selected water samples. Three water sources were examined: Iba Oku River, Esuk Ita River, and a public tap at Akpan Anem Market. These samples were tested for key physicochemical parameters, including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, magnesium, and calcium, to determine their compliance with national and international water quality standards. The findings reveal a high dependence on sachet water and other private sources, primarily driven by the unreliability and irregularity of the public water supply system. Although pipe-borne water is officially the dominant source, many residents supplement their needs with alternative sources such as table water, boreholes, and untreated surface water. Laboratory analysis indicates that surface water sources, particularly Esuk Ita River, are significantly polluted and often exceed recommended thresholds for turbidity, total dissolved solids, and conductivity. Magnesium levels across all samples also exceeded acceptable limits, posing potential health risks to consumers and vulnerable populations. These results point to systemic deficiencies in water governance and underline the urgent need for infrastructural reforms, regulatory oversight, and coordinated policy action. The study concludes that improving water access in Uyo requires a multifaceted approach, including the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, stricter monitoring of water quality, public health education, and increased investment in institutional capacity and technical expertise. Addressing these pressing issues will be critical in achieving equitable and sustainable water access in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).