Access to Water: Borehole main source of drinking water for households
- NOIPolls
- Mar 28
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Abuja, Nigeria. March 24, 2025 – In commemoration of World Water Day, which is held on the 22nd of March every year, NOIPolls conducted a public opinion poll to find out the views of Nigerians regarding access to water. The Poll result revealed that borehole water (39 percent) is the primary source of drinking water for households in Nigeria. This assertion was mostly from residents in the North-central region (46 percent). The survey result corroborates an Online publication of Vanguard News dated 20th of March 2023. According to the report, average families have returned to borehole water due to the rising cost of pure water (sachet water)[1]. Sachet water is a common form of selling pre-filtered or sanitised water in plastic, heat-sealed bags[2]. At inception, it was easy to buy a bag of sachet water, which contains 20 sachets, at a cost of N50[3]. However, with the high cost of sachet water, average families are now wearing the I-don’t-care mask, to embrace drinking borehole water again[4].Those without boreholes visit places where there are boreholes to fetch water at a cost of N50 per 25 litre, or for free[5]. Other sources of drinking water cited by respondents include sachet water (36 percent), ‘’tap water’’ (9 percent), ‘’well water ‘’ (7 percent), and ‘bottled water’ (6 percent) amongst others.
Unfortunately, more than half of Nigerian households (52 percent) reported that access to water is challenging, with most respondents coming from the North-Central region. This Finding corroborates the submission of Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of CAPPA (Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa.) that In Nigeria alone, a staggering 113 million people suffer from painful hardship and crippling deprivation of water[6]. Across geo-political zones, findings also show that access to Tap water from the State Water Boards is abysmal with a majority (13%) of Nigerians from the North-East reporting Tap water as their main source of drinking water.
Moreso, findings show that only 33 percent of Nigerians admit that they treat water before drinking. When probed to ascertain the methods they employ in treating their water, the poll showed that more than half (51 percent) of Nigerian households disclosed that they boil the water. Similarly, 20 percent stated that they use other chemicals to make their drinking water safe. Other methods of treatment employed by the respondents include the use of a water guard (16 percent), water filter (7 percent) and just a handful (2 percent) who claim that the water is already treated.
Interestingly, most Nigerians (67 percent) do not treat their water in any form before drinking regardless of the source. This result corroborates Statista’s report on ‘’water treatment for safe drinking’’ in 2020 which revealed that in Nigeria, most households did not treat water for safe drinking[7]. In a survey conducted that year, 86 percent of Nigerian households declared not to treat water before drinking[8]. Water treatment could, among others, decrease the risk of diseases[9].
Subsequently, the poll probed to know what illnesses are associated with unclean water. The result shows that typhoid (46 percent), cholera (33 percent), and diarrhoea (10 percent) were the top-mentioned ailments. This finding is in line with the Library of Science 2022 publication on ‘’ Availability of Drinking Water Source and the Prevalence of Diarrhoea among Nigerian Households’’. According to the report, drinking contaminated water has been linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio[10]. Water contamination can occur through the means of a physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance[11]. Inadequate, or inappropriately managed water exposes individuals to preventable health risks[12]. Nigeria is the second-largest contributor to the worldwide under-five mortality rate from diarrhoea, with more than 151,700 deaths annually[13]. The absence of clean water, safely managed sanitation, and hygiene are responsible for almost 88% of the country’s disease burden[14]
Finally, when asked what should be done to address water scarcity in their community, a significant proportion (58 percent) of respondents want the government to provide more boreholes in their communities with the North-Central region (67 percent) having the highest number of respondents who stated this. Other suggestions include constant water supply (19 percent), provision of tap water 7 percent, and constant power supply (5 percent). These are some of the key findings from the Access to Water Poll conducted in the week commencing March 10th, 2025.
Background
Water is life is a very popular saying, and indeed Water is an essential part of human life, existence, and sustenance on earth[15]. According to research, water makes up about 71% of the earth's surface and similarly, 50-65% of the total human mass is also made up of fluid which is water[16].
No doubt, water is the silent force that drives life, the invisible thread that ties humanity, nature, and existence itself[17]. Water is a precious natural resource[18]. We cannot imagine life without water[19]. Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes[20].
Access to water is an indicator that represents the proportion of the population with reasonable access to a sufficient amount of drinking water[21]. According to the WHO, a sufficient amount of drinking water is at least 20 litres per inhabitant per day[22]. ‘Reasonable access’ is generally defined as having a drinking water supply less than fifteen minutes away from the place of residence on foot[23]. While we waste, others struggle[24]. Over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water[25]. For them, a drop is a dream.[26]
Sustainable Development Goal Target 6.1 aims to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. This goal is measured by the indicator of "safely managed drinking water services," which refers to water from an improved source that is accessible on-premises, available when needed, and free from faecal and harmful chemical contamination. However, the situation in Nigeria does not align with this SDG. A report from the Punch Newspapers dated March 20, 2025, titled, “Dry Taps: A damning verdict on the attack of water utilities in Nigeria,” has shown that most of the major waterworks are functioning epileptically and far below-installed capacity.[27] This raises concerns about the effectiveness and operations of the State Water Boards throughout Nigeria.
According to the World Health Organisation, 50% of malnutrition cases in children are due to the consumption of unsafe water[28]. More than half of the global population does not have access to safe sanitation services[29]. Considering that current funding for the Water Access, Sanitation and Hygiene sector (known as WASH in humanitarian circles) is wildly insufficient[30], the implication is that millions of children who should have access to drinking water end up consuming untreated water, developing illnesses from it and dying[31].
In Nigeria Only 10% of the population has access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services, 68 million people (33% of the population) lack access to basic drinking water services,171 million people (83% of the population) lack basic handwashing facilities[32].
The UN-Water's flagship World Water Development Report 2025 highlights that water is facing severe threats due to a growing population, rising demands from agriculture and industry, and the ever-increasing effects of climate change. As Nigerians struggle to balance their competing demands on water resources, many other needs are being overlooked. The sad reality is that most Nigerians now live in areas experiencing water stress, where water demand surpasses the available supply.
World Water Day is celebrated each year on 22 March to raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water[33]. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis[34]. The theme of World Water Day 2025 is ‘Glacier Preservation’’[35]. Glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate as the planet warms due to climate change, causing our frozen world to shrink and making the water cycle more unpredictable and extreme. Preserving glaciers is crucial for survival, hence we must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manage meltwater more sustainably for people and the planet[36]. This is because nearly 2 billion people rely on water from glaciers, snowmelt and mountain run-off for drinking, agriculture, and energy production[37]. Considering this, NOIPolls conducted a survey in observance of World Water Day to assess Nigerians' perceptions of their access to water.
Survey Findings
The first question sought to gauge the opinion of Nigerians regarding their primary source of water for daily use and the poll result revealed that 62 percent stated that their main source of water for household use is from boreholes. The South-East zone had more respondents (82 percent). Other primary sources of water cited include Well water (19 percent) and tap (12 percent) amongst other sources.
When asked if their source of water is within their household,59 percent answered in the affirmative with the South-West region (82 percent) having the highest proportion of respondents who made this assertion. On the other hand, 41 percent stated otherwise.
Respondents (41 percent) who do not have water within their households were further asked how many minutes they travel by foot to get to their source of water. Findings show that the majority (72 percent) spend about 15 minutes. Those who spend about 30 minutes are 16 percent. 4 percent claim they spend about 45 minutes, 3 percent say 1 hour, and 2 percent spend above 1 hour.
Subsequently, the poll sought to know the main source of drinking water for Nigerians. The result shows that borehole is presently the main source of drinking water for Nigerian households as disclosed by 39 percent of the respondents interviewed. The North-Central zone (46 percent) accounted for the highest proportion of Nigerians who made this claim. This is followed by 36 percent of the respondents who admitted that their main source of drinking water is sachet water. In addition, 9 percent revealed that they currently get their drinking water from tap water amongst other sources.
The poll further probed to know if Nigerians treat water in their households before drinking. The result indicates that most Nigerians do not treat water in their households before drinking as disclosed by 67 percent of respondents surveyed. However, 33 percent of Nigerians affirmed they treat water to make it suitable for drinking.
Respondents (33 percent) who admitted to treating water before drinking were further probed to ascertain the methods, they employ in treating their water. The poll showed that more than half (51 percent) of Nigerian households disclosed that they boil the water before drinking. Similarly, 20 percent stated that they use other chemicals to make their drinking water safe. Other methods of treatment employed by the respondents include the use of a water guard (16 percent), water filter (7 percent) and just a handful (2 percent) who claim that the water is already treated.
The survey also sought to determine if Nigerians are aware of the illnesses associated with unclean water. The result shows that typhoid (46 percent), cholera (33 percent), and diarrhoea (10 percent) were the top-mentioned ailments.
On challenges in accessing water, the analysis revealed that 52 percent of Nigerian households have challenges accessing and this was mostly prevalent in the northern region; North-central (67 percent) and North-East (65 percent) to be specific. On the contrary, 48 percent of Nigerians do not have challenges accessing water in their households
Lastly, to address water scarcity in their communities. Findings revealed that a higher percentage (58 percent) of Nigerians surveyed suggested the provision of more boreholes/solar boreholes. Other suggestions include constant water supply (19 percent), provision of tap water (7 percent) constant water supply (5 percent) as measures of tackling water scarcity in their communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, findings have shown that more than half of Nigerian households (52 percent) reported that access to water is a challenge to them with most respondents coming from the North-Central region (67 percent), and borehole water (39 percent) being the major source of drinking water for households across Nigeria. The poll results also revealed that of the 41 percent who do not have access to water within their household, 72 percent travel by foot for about 15 minutes to get to their water source. Unfortunately, 67 percent disclosed they do not treat water before drinking with the North-West region (76 percent) having the highest proportion of Nigerians who stated this. Typhoid (46 percent), cholera (33 percent), and diarrhoea (10 percent) were the top-mentioned ailments associated with unclean water.
According to water aids, clean water can create a ripple effect that will be felt for generations[38]. By ensuring people have clean water close to their homes, they will be better able to stay free of disease[39]. When they are healthy and well, they are better able to go to school or to grow food they can eat or sell[40]. And they will be better able to earn a living and put money aside for the future[41]. In short, communities will be stronger, so they can plan and prepare for whatever tomorrow brings[42].
To address water scarcity across communities’ poll results, show that a larger proportion of Nigerians (58 percent) suggested that the government should provide more boreholes /solar boreholes. Other suggestions include: constant water supply (19 percent), provision of tap water (7 percent) constant water supply (5 percent) as measures of tackling water shortages in their communities.
Survey Methods
The opinion poll was conducted in the week commencing April 29th, 2024. It involved telephone interviews of a proportionate nationwide sample of 1,000 randomly selected phone-owning Nigerians aged 18 years and above, representing the six geo-political regions 36 states and the FCT of the country. Interviews were conducted in 5 languages – Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Pidgin English, and English. Although we can say with 95% confidence that the results obtained were statistically precise – within a margin of error of plus or minus 4.65%; we recognize that the exclusive use of telephone polling has its limitation of excluding non-phone-owning Nigerians. Nonetheless, with the country’s tele density put over 100 per cent by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), we consider our telephone polling approach appropriate. Also, given the rigorous scientific process of randomization and stratification applied, we can confidently stand by the validity of our methodology and approach. NOIPolls Limited, No. 1 for country-specific polling services in West Africa. We conduct periodic opinion polls and studies on various socio-economic and political issues in Nigeria. More information is available at www.noi-polls.com.
Disclaimer
This press release has been produced by NOIPolls Limited to provide information on all issues which form the subject matter of the document. Kindly note that while we are willing to share results from our polls with the public, we only request that NOIPolls be acknowledged as authors whenever and wherever our poll results are used, cited, or published. NOIPolls hereby certifies that all the views expressed in this document accurately reflect the views of respondents surveyed for the poll, and background information is based on information from various sources that it believes are reliable; however, no representation is made that it is accurate or complete. Whilst reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document, no responsibility or liability is accepted for errors or facts, or any views expressed herein by NOIPolls for actions taken because of information provided in this report. Any ratings, forecasts, estimates, opinions, or views herein constitute a judgment as of the date of this document. If the date of this document is not current, the views and content may not reflect NOIPolls' current findings and/or thinking.
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[1] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/rising-cost-of-pure-water-average-families-return-to-borehole-water/
[2] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/rising-cost-of-pure-water-average-families-return-to-borehole-water/
[3] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/rising-cost-of-pure-water-average-families-return-to-borehole-water/
[4] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/rising-cost-of-pure-water-average-families-return-to-borehole-water/
[5] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/03/rising-cost-of-pure-water-average-families-return-to-borehole-water/
[7] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1268173/households-who-treat-water-for-safe-drinking-in-nigeria/
[8] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1268173/households-who-treat-water-for-safe-drinking-in-nigeria/
[9] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1268173/households-who-treat-water-for-safe-drinking-in-nigeria/
[21] https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/headline/everything-you-need-to-know-about-global-access-to-water/
[22] https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/headline/everything-you-need-to-know-about-global-access-to-water/
[23] https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/headline/everything-you-need-to-know-about-global-access-to-water/
[28] https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/headline/everything-you-need-to-know-about-global-access-to-water/
[29] https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/headline/everything-you-need-to-know-about-global-access-to-water/
[30] https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/headline/everything-you-need-to-know-about-global-access-to-water/
[31] https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/headline/everything-you-need-to-know-about-global-access-to-water/
[32] https://www.wateraid.org/ng/media/wateraid-launches-project-to-improve-access-to-sustainable-water-sanitation-and- hygiene