Climate Change Impacts on Water Quality in Tanzania: A Comprehensive Review for Sustainable Water Resource Management.

Abstract

Water is a fundamental resource for human health, economic development, and ecosystem integrity. In Tanzania, one of East Africa’s most ecologically diverse nations, access to clean and safe water remains a critical development challenge. The country’s water resources are under mounting pressure due to rapid population growth, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and industrial activities. In recent decades, climate change has emerged as a significant driver influencing both the availability and quality of water resources across the region.Scientific consensus indicates that climate change is altering hydrological cycles globally, with pronounced effects in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, observed trends and future climate projections highlight increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These changes interact with existing water management vulnerabilities, thereby influencing water quality through both direct and indirect mechanisms.Poor water quality is a major public health concern in Tanzania, where an estimated 88% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water. The degradation of water quality is driven by multiple factors, including microbial contamination, chemical pollution, and sedimentation, all of which are exacerbated by climate-related stressors. Rural communities reliant on shallow groundwater and surface water sources are particularly vulnerable, given their limited adaptive capacity and insufficient infrastructure.This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the impacts of climate change on water quality in Tanzania. Specifically, it examines the pathways through which climate variability affects water quality parameters, evaluates regional disparities, and identifies key gaps in monitoring and adaptive management. The findings aim to inform sustainable and climate-resilient water resource management strategies aligned with Tanzania’s national development priorities and global commitments under Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Keywords: Climate change, water quality, Tanzania, groundwater contamination, extreme weather events, adaptation strategies

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/15-3-05

Publication date: May 30th 2025