Dr Augustine Onyi Ushie, Dr Enya Inok-Kuti Ebak, Dr Effiom Etim Effiong, Dr Ime Edet Sam & Dr S. Oham Oham
Abstract
This study examined the influence of environmental regulations and oil spill prevention measures on residents’ perception of water quality in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 254,200 residents of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. Using Cochran’s sample size determination formula, a sample of 422 respondents was selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by three experts in Environmental Education, and Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was established before the main study. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that environmental regulations, and oil spill prevention measures had significant positive relationships with residents’ perception of water quality (r = .473, p < .05). The study concluded that effective environmental regulations and oil spill prevention measures significantly enhance residents’ perception of water quality in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. It recommended strengthening the enforcement of environmental regulations and improving oil spill prevention measures to enhance water quality management.