Assessment of knowledge and practice of household water purification and storage techniques among residents of sokoto north local government area, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background: Potable drinking water is an absolute necessity, as its quality is as important as its availability. Consumption of unsafe drinking water contributes to about 4 million annual cases of diarrheal and water related diseases world-wide. Purification removes particulate matter and disease agents from water obtained from potentially contaminated sources, thus making it potable. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practice of household water purification and storage techniques among residents of sokoto north local government area, sokoto state, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 residents selected by multistage sampling technique from August, 2017 to March 2018. Data were collected using semi-structured, pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Majority of respondents 188 (57.0%) had good knowledge of water purification and storage techniques. The most commonly used water purification techniques were boiling 125(55.5%), filtration 94 (30.1%), and use of alum 63(12.7%). There was a statistically significant association (p = 0.001) between practice of household water purification and storage techniques and formal education. Conclusion and recommendations: Although, the respondents showed high level of knowledge and practice of water purification and storage techniques, it can still be improved through periodic mass public health enlightenment campaigns. In addition, the Sokoto State Water Board should ensure provision of adequate quantity of potable water to the residents of the state.