International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences

This study was conducted in four villages of Kilolo District with the aim of establishing the relationship between domestic water supply and household income. Specifically, the study aimed at: identifying water sources that exist in the study area; to determine the proportion of time spent by respondents on collecting water for domestic purposes and lastly comparing income between households living within and beyond 400 metres to water sources. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design where structured questionnaire with open-ended and close ended questions were used in data collection from a sample size of 120 respondents. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS. 16.0) computer software. The study identified that the main water sources for domestic purposes in study area include; tap water, protected shallow wells, unprotected shallow wells and rivers. The findings of T-test also showed that there is a significant different in time spent of collecting water for domestic purposes between water rich and water scarce villages (P < 0.05) in both dry and rain season as respondents from villages of Uhambingeto ward spent more time on fetching water per day as compared to women and men from Mtitu ward. Furthermore, the study revealed that respondents who located within 400 metres to water sources have a mean annual income greater than those beyond. The study recommends for development of water supply system that will include rain water harvesting plan as one of the strategies for improving water resources availability at village levels.