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

Abstract

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.