Water constitutes one of the basic needs of life and is highly essential for a successful living as well as viable productivity. For example without good water supply life could hardly exist. Besides, the significance of water, water borne diseases remains one of the biggest problem facing millions of people in African continent today. In Nigeria, many urban centres such as Makurdi still face numerous problems, which are associated with water supply. This paper will focus on examining the sources of water supply and the problems associated with it in Makurdi area during the pre ñ colonial period, we shall also identify the method used by the people in addressing the problem of water borne diseases in pre iñ colonial Makurdi. The second part of this paper will examine the beginning of modern water supply, which started in Makurdi during the colonial period. We shall also examine the reasons why the British Colonial Authority introduced modern water supply in Makurdi town. Finally, we shall show how the British Colonial Authority solved the problem of water borne diseases in Makurdi town.