December in Nigeria means celebrations, full houses, more mouths to feed — and more water used than any other month of the year. What most households don’t plan for is that their water sources are simultaneously at their most stressed.
The harmattan is deepening. Water tables are lower. Boreholes that were already struggling in November are working harder. And now you are hosting.
Here is what to know and do before the festivities begin.
Your Water Demand Just Multiplied
A household that normally uses water for four people may be accommodating ten or fifteen over the Christmas and New Year period. Cooking, bathing, toilet flushing, washing up — every task uses more water, more frequently. A borehole that marginally kept up with normal demand can fail completely under festive pressure.
Prepare early. Fill overhead tanks and any available storage containers before guests arrive. October and November rains may be over, but water stored before the demand spikes is water you will not have to scramble for mid-December.
Food Safety and Water Are Inseparable
The most common cause of illness after large celebrations is not spoiled food — it is water used in food preparation that was not adequately clean. Water used to rinse vegetables, make drinks, wash hands, and cook is as important as the food itself.
Approximately 41% of tap water from Nigerian urban utilities contains detectable levels of coliform bacteria. Borehole water quality also varies significantly. During the festive season, when demand surges and storage containers are refilled more frequently, the risk of contamination at the point of use increases.
Boil water used for drinking, making drinks, and rinsing food that will not be cooked further. This is especially important if children or elderly guests are present — they are the most vulnerable to waterborne illness.
Storage Safety
Increased demand means more water stored in more containers. Poorly covered or infrequently cleaned containers introduce contamination that treatment at the source cannot protect against. As covered in our flood water safety guide, water that is safe at source can become unsafe through poor handling.
Keep storage containers covered at all times. Do not dip hands or cups directly into stored water — use a clean ladle or tap. Wash and dry containers before refilling them.
A Quick Festive Season Water Checklist
- Fill overhead tanks and reserve containers before guests arrive
- Boil all water used for drinking, cooking drinks, and food rinsing
- Inspect borehole pump pressure — address issues before demand peaks
- Keep all storage containers tightly covered
- Have a backup water source identified — a neighbour, a vendor, a community tap
The celebrations should be memorable for the right reasons. A little water preparation beforehand makes all the difference.
Jay Water Advisory wishes all readers a safe and well-hydrated festive season.
Jay water advisory 