Table 2 Availability of water service in healthcare facilities in the GKMA, Uganda

Main water source (n = 58)^a

Borehole

1

1.7

Protected dug well

2

3.4

Piped supply from outside the HCF

41

70.7

Rainwater

13

22.4

Tanker truck

1

1.7

Location of main water source (n = 58)^a

Off premises, within 500 m

3

5.2

Off premises, further than 500 m

1

1.7

On premises

54

93.1

Instances of discontinuity (when water from the main water source is unavailable?) (n = 58)^a

Yes

44

75.9

No

14

24.1

Frequency of discontinuity in water supply (n = 58)^a

For part of the day, frequently

9

15.5

For part of the day, rarely

15

25.9

For part of the year (seasonal problem frequently)

8

13.8

For part of the year (seasonal problem rarely)

11

19.0

Water is always available

14

24.1

Do not know

1

1.7

HCF at times faces a severe water shortage (n = 44)^a

Yes

14

31.8

No

28

63.7

Don’t know

2

4.5

HCF has an alternative water source

Yes, and the alternative source is improved

36

60.0

Yes, but the alternative source is unimproved

3

5.0

No alternative water source

17

28.3

Have alternative source but water is unavailable

3

5.0

Do not know

1

1.7

Water accessible to all users at all times at HCF

Yes

55

94.8

No, patients/caregivers do not have access at times

2

3.4

No, both staff and patients/caregivers do not have access at times

1

1.8

Water is available from the main water source at the time of the survey

Yes

56

93.3

No

4

6.7

Is water piped into the wards

Yes

35

58.3

Yes, but currently unavailable

3

5.0

No

22

36.7

Water at HCF meets the WHO microbial water quality standards (n = 58)^a

< 50% of all samples met

6

10.3

50–89% of all samples met

1

1.7

90–100% of all samples met

51

87.9