Rainwater harvesting and primary uses among rural communities in Ghana

Seth Owusu; Rachel Asante

doi:10.2166/washdev.2020.059

journal article Open Access Jun 15, 2020

Rainwater harvesting and primary uses among rural communities in Ghana

Seth Owusu Rachel Asante

Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development Vol. 10 No. 3 pp. 502-511 · IWA Publishing

View at Publisher Save 10.2166/washdev.2020.059

Abstract

AbstractRainwater harvesting (RWH) has been practised over many decades for various purposes, including domestic use. The practice contributes largely to sustainable development in terms of providing ‘free’ water to many people. This study assessed the primary uses and benefits of rainwater to rural residents by conducting a questionnaire survey of 48 households actively practising RWH. Samples of the rainwater were also tested in the laboratory to examine the quality and potential health risks. The results show that rainwater was used for potable and non-potable purposes by the locals particularly in the rainy season. Bathing accounted for the most use (53%), while the potable use was just 7%. The majority of users (73%) reported a positive impact of the practice on their lives, and the reliability of rainwater was highly ranked. The physicochemical properties of rainwater were good, but the study highlights the need for better management of the technology to ensure optimal quality. Overall, the findings provide substantial evidence on the benefits of harvesting rainwater and recommend greater use of rainwater, especially in areas with no or limited access to a public water supply.

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Metrics

23

Citations

28

References

Details

Published: Jun 15, 2020
Vol/Issue: 10(3)
Pages: 502-511
License: View

Authors

S

Seth Owusu

Koforidua Technical University, P.O. Box KF 981, Koforidua, Ghana

R

Rachel Asante

Koforidua Technical University, P.O. Box KF 981, Koforidua, Ghana

Cite This Article

Seth Owusu, Rachel Asante (2020). Rainwater harvesting and primary uses among rural communities in Ghana. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 10(3), 502-511. https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2020.059

Rainwater harvesting and primary uses among rural communities in Ghana

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