Water Pollution, Waste Management, and Public Health Risks in Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental management is a growing public health and development priority in Nigeria, where rapid urbanization and poor waste management have worsened water pollution challenges, particularly in towns like Keffi, Nasarawa State. Consequently, this study guided by the WHO-UNICEF WASH Framework and using a mixed-methods design, assessed the major sources of water pollution and the effectiveness of waste management in Keffi LGA. Findings revealed that sewage and faecal contamination from open defecation (30%), heavy metal pollution (25%), dumpsite and culvert leachates (25%), and agricultural runoff (20%) are the primary sources of water pollution. Public health risks are highest from poorly coordinated waste disposal (35%) and waterborne diseases (30%), exacerbated by inadequate sanitation infrastructure, indiscriminate dumping, and weak regulation. The study recommends improving sanitation facilities, enforcing a ban on open defecation, establishing an organized waste management system, strengthening sanitation laws, and engaging community leaders and NGOs in public sensitization to promote safer waste disposal and protect public health.