ABSTRACT
Self-supply water has been acknowledged as a viable alternative to meeting the water needs of inhabitants. This study was designed to determine the main issues that influence self-supply water coverage in five (5) communities in the Kumasi Metropolis. The research employed a well-structured questionnaires and a total of 369 households were surveyed. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and Microsoft Excel (2016) tools were used to analyse the data. The outcomes of the research show that a greater number of the respondents (77 %) did not have connections to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) distribution system. Approximately, 69 % of respondents had access to alternative water sources with mechanized boreholes forming the majority (32 %). However, a greater number of the respondents (64 %) did not disinfect their water to make it potable. The most favourable drinking water source for a greater number of the residents (51 %) was sachet water. The study showed there was a significant association between respondents' type or source of water with religion (p < 0.000), household size (p < 0.000), duration of stay (p = 0.026) and number of dependents (p = 0.006). However, there was no association between type or source of water with educational level (p = 0.130), occupation (p = 0.310), income level (p = 0.139) and type of home (p = 0.102). This study revealed that self-supply is contributing to the water needs of some residents in Kumasi and could contribute to the country's accomplishment of SDG 6.1 if residents ensure that it is safely managed. To broaden the scope of the study and the impact of self-supply groundwater, additional studies should be conducted in other communities, as well as the extent of other beneficiaries who have access to self-supply facilities other than the owners.
