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 15 Birkas for water quality test were analyzed from selected Lebeshek,
Gerbe and Meregacho Kebeles. The design and physical capacity of the Birkas were studied
with site visits and documents. Temperature, electric conductivity, pH, turbidity, total
hardness, total dissolved solid, alkalinity, nitrate and total coliform was analyzed to
characterize the water.
80% of the Lebeshek, 80% of the Gerbe and 100% of the Meregacho of the measured
samples pH values satisfies WHO standards. 40%, 20% and 20% of the sample turbidity
from Lebeshek, Gerbe and Meregacho respectively satisfied the WHO standards however,
none of the samples were qualified the WHO standard 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 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 problem. 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.
