MANAGING AND MAXIMISING THE USE OF SEWAGE IN TAMALE

Abstract

Treated water is used for bathing, fl;ushing toilets, drinking, cooking, washing, recreation, building, construction and gardening in Tamale resulting in high generation of sewage. Reuse of sewage at homes will supplement the national water budget especially in towns and cities.  This will promote income generation, socio-economic equity and urban food security (Shaat 1998). The treatment ponds in Tamale during the research was basic (pH range 8-10) and was unaffected by seasonal variations. Turbidity values ranged from 32 to 480 NTU. Electrical conductivity varied between 1128-5035 µS/cm. The concentration of DO in sewage ranged from 3.3mg/l in the discharge pond to 10.7mg/l in the aerobic pond. The mean total coliforms of sewage ranged between 1136 and 1880 CFU while faecal coliforms ranged between 336-739 CFU. The proportion of those who pay for water use (69%) coincided with those who use tap water. About 47% of the people in Tamale who use piped water do not get regular supply of water. Willingness to pay for water use was negatively related (?= -0.01) to education.