Challenges and Solutions for Drinking Water Quality Management in Rwanda: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Water quality management is a critical aspect of sustainable development in Rwanda, where rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change are putting significant pressure on water resources. This review highlights the current water quality issues in Rwanda, focusing on water pollution challenges and emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach to addressing these problems. In Rwanda, the high population density, expanding industrialization and urbanization, inappropriate solid waste and wastewater management, and high rainfall intensity, are among the key sources of water pollution of drinking water. Eroded sediments entering rivers and lakes increase the cost of water treatment and reduce the quantity of clean water, particularly during the rainy season. Implementing soil erosion control measures, such as terraces, Conservation practices (conservation tillage, planting cover crops on drainage channels), forest preservation, slope stabilization with crops, bamboo revetments for riverbanks, and buffer zone regulations, offers significant benefits, enhancing both population health and climate resilience and also have been used to reduce nonpoint source pollution. It also supports the country's economy by reducing waterborne diseases, contributing to better living conditions, poverty reduction, and overall socio-economic development.