Abstract:
Rainwater is considered to be one of the reliable means of water supply to sustain life.
In Ghana, there have been efforts to create awareness and interest in RWH to achieve
national water coverage. However, atmospheric and other pollutions threaten its usage.
This study analyzed the impact of different roofing materials on the physico-chemical,
trace metals and microbial quality of rainwater in Sefwi Dwinase and how it can be
efficiently put to use. Using descriptive design, twenty-one samples were taken from
open environment, plain aluminium, flat concrete and colour-coated galvanized roofs.
The samples were tested at the laboratory for concentrations of Total hardness, pH,
TDS, DOC, EC, Calcium, Magnesium, Lead, Iron and Total coliform. The result
revealed that, the physico-chemical parameters of the rainwater in the study area fell
within the WHO guideline value for potability except pH which had some samples to
be slightly acidic. Iron, Lead and TC had higher concentrations above WHO guideline.
Plain aluminium roof is slightly advantageous over the others for RWH. Also,
anthropogenic and biological factors increase trace metals and Total coliform in the
rainwater. I concluded that, while the physico-chemical quality of the rainwater is good,
it has trace metal and bacterial contamination. Meanwhile, with proper treatment, it can
be used for potable and non-potable purposes. RWHS should be efficiently installed by
authorities in institutions such as schools and hospitals in the town to augment water
supply from the other sources, amidst regular cleaning of roof catchments, treatment of
water and testing to monitor contaminations.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Geography Education,
Faculty of Social Science Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Geography Education),
in the University of Education, Winneba
