A Study into Reducing Utilities Bills by a Rainwater Harvesting Method at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Rundu Campus

Shortage of water provision sources has become a major problem for many growing cities all over the world due to climate change. Hence, adoption of different water conservation techniques at different institutions and communities is paramount. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) becomes an excellent technique of water conservation for future needs. We have reviewed the different methods to harvest water and propose the use of a rooftop rainwater harvesting structure for the University of Namibia (Rundu) campus located in Kavango East region. Different parts of the RWH system were reviewed based on standard guidelines. It was observed from the analysis that implementation of RWH system can resolve the water scarcity problems during rainy season by storing a huge quantity of approximately 105 840 litres per month in a year. The implementation of this initiative can help reduce considerably the water utility bill and the energy use required for water pumping and treatment.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting

1. Abdulla, F. A., & Al-Shareef. (2009). Roof rainwater harvesting systems for household water supply in Jordan. Desalination, 243, 195-207. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Berhane, G. (2018). Benefits and Challenges of Dugout Rainwater Harvesting Ponds in Tigray Region, Ethiopia. In Rainwater-Smart Agriculture in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (pp. 259-280). Springer, Cham. (Cham, Ed.) 259-280. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Campisano, A., Butler, D., Ward, S., Burns, M., Friedler, E., Debusk, K., & Hans, M. (2017). Urban rainwater harvesting systems: Research, implementation and future perspectives. Water research, 195-209. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Chiang, V. (2013). Assessment of rainwater harvesting systems at a university in Taipei. Water Sciences Technology , 564-571. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Chowdhury, P., Ray, K., Meena, K., Namei, A., & Deka, V. (2016). Water Budgeting and Methods of Rainwater Harvesting in North Eastern Hill Region of India. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Jokisch, A., Urban, W., & Kluge, T. (2016). Small Scale Rain and Floodwater Harvesting for Horticulture in Central Northen Namibia for livehood Improvement and as an Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change. In Implementing Climate Change Adaptation in Cities and Communities. Springer, 39-52. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Larrauri, P., & Shumaker, A. (2019). The effectiveness of rainwater harvesting projects in Southern Ethiopia. Columbia University, Water Centre. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.27767.85923 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Lugeretzia, K. (2017, December 12). Namibian. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://www.namibian.com.na/172579/archive-read/Rundu-faces-water-crisis [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Mao, J., Xin, B., Zhou, Y., Bi, F., Zhang, X., & Xia.F. (2021). Effects of roof material and weather patterns on the quality of harvested rainwater in Shanghai, China. J.Clean. Prod., 279(123419). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Morey, A., Dhurve, B., Haste, V., & Wasnik, V. (2016). Rainwater harvesting system. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2158-2162. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Mwinga, M., Siboleka, M., Kavezuva, C., & Amadhila, F. (2018). Economy Profile for Rundu. First Capital Treasury Solution (Pty). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Remmert, D. (2020). Weak Policies & Conflicting Visions: Drought, Water Shortages and Climate Change in Namibia. Windhoek: INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Shivute, D. (1956). THE WATER ACT, 1956 (ACT 54 OF 1956 ) AND ITS REQUIREMENTS IN TERMS OF WATER SUPPLIES FOR DRINKING WATER AND FOR WASTE WATER TREATMENT AND DISCHARGE INTO THE ENVIRONMENT . Windhoek: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural development. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Weather and climate. (2022). Average monthly snow and rainfall in Rundu in millimeter. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study