Abstract:
Water pollution and water stress is tremendous problem in the pastoral area of Somali region
including Kebribeyah Woreda. This study was made to assess the performance of traditional
rain water harvesting Birkas as a source of domestic and livestock water supply at
Kebribeyah Woreda. For this study a total of 150 household questionnaires conducted and 15
water samples from 15Birkas for water quality test were analyzed from selected Lebeshek,
Gerbe and Meregacho Kebeles. The design and physical capacity of the Birkas were studied
with sitevisits and documents. Temperature, electric conductivity, pH, turbidity, total
hardness, total dissolved solid, alkalinity, nitrate and total coliform was analyzed to
characterize the water.
Eigty percent of the Lebeshek, 80% of the Gerbe and 100% of the Meregacho of the
measured samples pH values satisfies WHO standards. Forty percent, 20% and 20% of the
sample turbidity from Lebeshek, Gerbe and Meregacho respectively satisfied the WHO
standards; however, none of the samples were within WHO standard of drinking water
quality for total coliform. The rest of the parameters are within the permissible limit of WHO
standards for drinking water standard. The conducted survey indicated the highest proportion
of water supply is consumed by the livestock. Little sense of ownership and responsibility
among the community towards the Birka, luck of frequent maintenance and water treatment
were the major problems. With regard to the quantity of water and quality loss, water loss
due to evaporation, sedimentation, crack (seepage) and poor management condition was
aggravating the problem of the water shortage in the area.
These preliminary results can be useful for relevant stakeholders to take the necessary
measures when designing, rehabilitating, managing Birkas in the area. The involvement of
community is of paramount importance for sustainability.
