• Ntshiti Kaniki Joseph
• Dr. Maurice Silali Barasa, PhD
• Michael Waweru Kimani

Abstract The study was conducted in Nyiragongo District, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the 2021 volcanic eruption severely damaged water infrastructure, leaving many households with limited access to clean and safe water. The situation was further worsened by population influx due to regional conflicts. The study aimed to analyze the impact of existing one-point water sources, water treatment methods, accessibility to safe water, and community knowledge on household health within Nyiragongo refugee camps. Guided by the Aquatic Ape and Community-Based Health Care theories, the research adopted a mixed-method approach combining quantitative (semi-structured questionnaires) and qualitative (focus group discussions) techniques within a descriptive cross-sectional design. Using Yamane’s formula (1967), data were analyzed in SPSS version 27 through descriptive and inferential statistics, including Fisher’s exact test. Results revealed that 75% of households relied on tanks and rainwater, while 88% reported cholera, and 13% typhoid and diarrhea cases. Despite 88% having knowledge of safe water practices, application was limited due to resource constraints. A significant relationship existed between most variables except water accessibility (p = 0.543). The study concluded that inadequate water infrastructure and poor treatment practices endangered community health and recommended increasing water tanks, treatment support, and awareness campaigns.

Keywords: Biological Treatment, Chemical Treatment, Clean and safe water, Community Household, Environmental Degradation, Mechanical Treatment, Physical Treatment

"Low Supply of Clean and Safe Water and Community Households’ Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Case of Refugees’ Camps in Nyiragongo District ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 2, page no.b323-b345, February-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2602145.pdf

"Low Supply of Clean and Safe Water and Community Households’ Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Case of Refugees’ Camps in Nyiragongo District ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 2, page no. ppb323-b345, February-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2602145.pdf