Diagnostics for the Development and Application of an Urban Water Flow Diagram in Small Towns; A Case Study of Mpigi Town Council

Abstract

Urban water management has proven to be a formidable challenge in rising “yet to be” urban areas. The problem becomes worse around the fringes of small towns due to their “in between” nature. Visualizing the challenges in a more intuitive and friendly way for the end user could be a great first step to mitigating challenges. This research aims to assess the diagnostics in developing and utilizing the output of the urban water flow diagram of the growing city of Mpigi Town Council. The study employed a mixed method approach to collect data from the different sectorial quantities of water usage and water supply. The data was then used to model the water flow diagram using a Sankey-diagram based tool; sankeymatic. Interventions based on the diagram output led to the assessment of the impact of pit latrines on groundwater quality, quantitative analysis of the uWFD, qualitative analysis of the fecal sludge management and risk assessment of the centralized water supply system within Mpigi town council. Results from the groundwater assessment showed that ammonia, pH, Turbidity, Nitrates and E. coli were the main pollution parameters in this water. Contamination down the distribution chain of source abstraction, water treatment, storage and final distribution were spotted and practical solutions provided within the water supply system. The analysis of fecal sludge management showed that the residents mostly used pit latrines for containment of their fecal waste with a few using flush toilets and VIP toilets. Cess-pool services were also on low demand and this is accredited to the high costs of emptying imposed by the utility provider. The wastewater treatment plant in Buwama, set up for treating fecal sludge from all the areas within the district perimeter was under-utilized. An investigation to determine the clarity of the diagram to major service players were done through stakeholder consultation and engagements. A majority of the influential stakeholders showed a high understanding of the flow diagram which was followed by ideation brainstorming of possible solutions. Conclusively, uWFDs are a good first step in problem prioritization as a means of transcending the SDG journey in terms of access to clean water and sanitation.