Analysis of domestic water consumption in peri-urban South Africa: The case study of Thohoyandou in Limpopo province, South Africa

Abstract

The aim of the paper was to analyze factors affecting domestic water consumption in Thohoyandou, Limpopo province, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data in the study area. A total sample of 100 households participated in answering the questionnaire. The results of the analysis found that average bath water consumption was 122 l/c/d, toilet flushing was 26 l/c/d, drinking and food preparation was 20 l/c/d, washing clothes was 5 l/c/d, washing cars was 2.5 l/c/d and home gardening was 6 l/c/d. The average water consumption of one household in the area was 190 l/c/d. Factors influencing water consumption in Thohoyandou were: education level of household head, age of household head, occupation of household head, gender of household head, family size, and tariff. SPSS performed correlation matrix and it was used to analyze factors affecting water consumption. Correlation matrix results showed that education level of household head was −0.627**, family size was 0.947**, tariff was 0.533**, female household heads was 0.647**, male household heads was (−0.634**), and age of household heads was (0.372**). Education level of household head results showed a negative correlation in all sub areas. The consequences of having more household heads with a low level of education was high water consumption, which is not in line with the Water Conservation Act. The contribution of the research was that household heads who have a high level of education typically consume less water than household heads who have a low level of education.

Keywords:

• household water determinants
• water demand analysis
• water management
• water resources water consumption

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Acknowledgements

This paper forms part of the Master’s Dissertation submitted to the University of Johannesburg. I would like to thank the University of Johannesburg, Thohoyandou community, Vhembe district Municipality and DAAD-NRF for the financial support.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by DAAD-NRF.