Household water use efficiency: Current trends, opportunities and constraints in Gaborone, Botswana

Sustainable management of household water demand requires understanding of the apportionment of indoor water use, which is affected by key determinants such as demographics, user behaviour, and the associated water use products (micro-components) that require careful consideration. These water use products include micro-components such as fixtures (e.g., toilets, showerheads, baths, basin, and kitchen taps) and appliances (e.g., washing machines and dishwashers). This study consequently investigates household water use efficiencies and cost implications of potential micro-component implementation in the water scarce city of Gaborone. In this regard, this study develops an approach that would eventually inform decision makers in establishing appro-priate standards and/or policy strategies for effective implementation of water-saving schemes. This study ap-plies a questionnaire survey method to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from households. Household demographics, income, water use capacities (i.e., flow rates and volumes) and user characteristics (frequency and duration) associated with micro-components were obtained. A regression analysis method is used to study the relationships between variables obtained from the household survey. Eventually, models that predict household water consumption and costs of different micro-component combinations for respective income groups are developed. Efficiency and cost criteria for evaluation of the effectiveness of water use efficiency initiatives and standards/policies have been presented. The results provide informative prospects of imple-menting water-saving schemes for different income groups considering appropriate standards. Water use effi-ciency in Gaborone is negative if the existing water use products are evaluated against SABS and USA standards. These results indicate inadequate uptake of efficient household water use products and present potential op-portunities for water-saving initiatives and reduction of existing constraints.

Automated summary

This study investigates household water use efficiency and cost implications of potential micro-component implementation in the water-scarce city of Gaborone. The research develops models to predict household water consumption and costs of different micro-component combinations for respective income groups. The results indicate inadequate uptake of efficient household water use products and provide potential opportunities for water-saving initiatives.