On the roofs of Accra houses sit the black and blue tanks that tell the story of the city’s water supply. In many neighbourhoods, water from Ghana Water Limited’s pipes flows only on certain days of the week, or at night, or not at all for long periods. Residents have built a parallel water system of storage tanks, water tankers and boreholes.
Why the taps run dry
Accra’s demand for water has grown faster than supply. Treatment plants at Weija and Kpong supply much of the city, but pipes are old, leaks are common and many new suburbs lie beyond the network’s reach. Water is rationed by area, with some neighbourhoods receiving supply on scheduled days.
Storage tanks
Most homes that can afford it install polytanks, plastic storage tanks, often on stands or roofs. When water flows, the tanks fill, and the household uses the stored water until the next supply. Some homes add pumps to push water into upper floors.
Water tankers
When taps stay dry for long, residents call private water tanker operators who deliver water by truck. Prices rise during shortages and in areas far from filling points. Ask where the tanker filled its water. Reputable operators fill from Ghana Water points.
Boreholes
Many homes and estates drill boreholes, wells that draw groundwater. Boreholes give independence from the network but cost money to drill and maintain. Groundwater in parts of Accra can be salty or contaminated, so testing is important. The Water Resources Commission regulates groundwater use.
Keeping water safe
Clean storage tanks regularly, at least a few times a year. Keep lids tightly closed to prevent mosquitoes and contamination. Use separate containers for drinking water, or boil or filter water before drinking.
Sachet water
For drinking, many Accra residents rely on sachet water or bottled water, which have become a huge industry. Buy brands registered with the Food and Drugs Authority.
Report problems
Report burst pipes and leaks to Ghana Water’s customer service. Leaks waste water that could reach other neighbourhoods, and repairs are faster when residents report them.
Saving water
Collecting rainwater, fixing leaking taps and reusing water for cleaning can help households stretch their supply between deliveries.
Accra is a coastal city surrounded by rivers and reservoirs. Its residents still plan their week around which day the water comes, and that says as much about infrastructure as any official report.
