An Investigation Into Water Demand And Distribution In Ilorin West Local Government
[EGBEJILA]

CHAPTER ONE
1.0     INTRODUCTION
       Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O. Its molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on earth with its solid state, ice, and gaseous state (water vapor or steam). Water covers 70.9% of the earth's surface, and is vital for all known forms of life on earth, it is found mostly in oceans and other large water bodies, with 1.6% of water below ground in aquifers and 0.001% in the air as vapor, clouds (formed of solid and liquid water particles suspended in air), and precipitation. Oceans hold 97% of surface water, glaciers and polar ice caps 2.4%, and other land surface water such as rivers, lakes and ponds 0.6%. A very small amount of the earth's water is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products.
The importance of water to man cannot be over emphasized. It holds the most important benefit to man’s sustenance besides shelter, food and clothing (Ajadi, 1996). It is recognized all over the world that water is a vital resource for human existence and it is a major factor in commanding the progress of civilization. Nigeria is experiencing an increase in the rate of change in population growth coupled with increased urbanization and living standards. Thus, the increasing needs for domestic water and other uses, places an increasing demand on its water resources.
    Water is very vital, resources is not in short supply in Nigeria and Ilorin in particular, but regulating its availability and ensuring even distributions is always a serious problem, (sule, et al., 1999). However, the quantity of portable water available for human consumption has been receiving attention. Two extreme views have often been expressed regarding availability of water to man. One view believes that man is in his critical period in water consumption, and that demand is overtaking supply. The other view is that water is sufficiently available all the time everywhere worldwide. Both views may be acceptable in terms of water resources availability across the geographical space. For instance, Sule and Okeola(2010) studied the performance assessment of a regional water supply arrangement in Kwara State, Nigeria. Ghali, (1992), Glieck (1996), Sule et al.,(2000), Shabam and Sharman (1981) and Oyegun (1983) studied water resources development in Kwara State and found out that increasing urbanization, population and ineffective management of water resources have been leading to water crisis.
    The conventional practices of planning, designing and managing water systems require regular reviews and adjustment. For effective service delivery, many studies have been carried out in area of water supply management in developing countries. In a study conducted by Akinola and Areola (1980) in Ibadan, Nigeria, the basic per capital consumption for planned residential areas was found out to be 89 liters per day; this demand is however suppressed because of intermittent pumping. Water consumption varies from one area to another depending on socio-economic standard of the people, the level of education and development, nature of prevailing climate, the hygienic characteristics of the people, level of provision of sanitation facilities and general sanitary habits of the people. However, it is generally agreed that a minimum of 501/c/d is needed by an individual to satisfy his basic needs irrespective of socio-cultural background. Ilorin like many other cities in Nigeria does not have accurate water demand and distribution data that could be used for the design and improvement of the water distribution system.