wcm.01.2026.201.209

This study examined the factors influencing household access to domestic water across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Oyo Zone, Oyo State, Nigeria, using exploratory factor analysis. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to residents and analysed using principal component extraction with varimax rotation. Results showed that five to six dominant factors explained more than 60% of the total variance in water accessibility in each LGA, indicating strong explanatory power. Key shared determinants across the zone included proximity to water sources, reliability of supply, and water quality, reflecting the importance of availability, consistency, and safety in household water access. Distance was the most influential factor in Atiba (Rotated Component Matrix value = 90.0), while water quality had the strongest effect across Oyo Zone (RCM = 87.2) Household preferences also significantly shaped access patterns, particularly in Oyo Zone (RCM = 92.3) driven by affordability, convenience, and cultural considerations. Distinct local challenges were identified, including high patronage levels in Afijio, physical access constraints in Atiba and Oyo Zone, and limited piped water connectivity in Oyo Zone. The findings reveal considerable spatial variation in water access conditions within the same geopolitical region. The study concludes that improving equity in water access requires location-specific interventions. Recommended actions include expanding piped water infrastructure, improving supply reliability and quality, reducing travel distance to water points, and addressing physical access barriers. Incorporating household preferences into water planning can enhance sustainability and user acceptance while strengthening water governance and equitable domestic water provision.