ABSTRACT
Rapid growth in peri-urban development in Africa often occurs without a corresponding increase in coverage of conventional water networks or municipal water supply. The gap between water demand and formal supply is often met through groundwater. This chapter explores the contexts and contributions of groundwater in addressing the domestic water needs of some peri-urban areas in the Techiman Municipality of Ghana using mainly qualitative research methods. With the Techiman Municipality endowed with groundwater development potential, groundwater is widely being exploited for domestic purposes. Therefore, some peri-urban dwellers independently drill and operate mechanized boreholes through the support of licensed drilling contractors, who provide in situ water services to collect and carry, and also small-scale reticulation to others. Although their activities are largely informal, they serve as either the sole suppliers of domestic water or complement the activities of municipal utility services in these areas. Their operations make water available for affordable domestic use in the desired quantities and quality. Such activities are likely widespread in peri-urban areas in Ghana and Africa more widely, and should be acknowledged as enhancing domestic water supply.
