An assessment of household rainwater collection systems in a periurban/rural ward of KwaZulu

Abstract

Household rainwater features were examined in the high rainfall Inadi ward, in the Vulindlela district of KwaZulu. The aim of the investigation was to determine the present status of rainwater collection equipment at private houses, with a view to upgrading such facilities as an interim source of water for potable and general purposes. The survey showed that galvanized roofs in general were in reasonable condition, although gutters and storage vessels were inadequate and were often in a poor state of repair. It is important to note that the data revealed acceptance of rainwater collection as a supplementary water supply source.

Notes

Research Fellow, Department of Crop Science, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.