A focus on water use attitudes and behaviours in South Africa’s metropolitan areas: A people-centric approach to urban water conservation and demand management

Abstract

In South Africa, very little research has been done on household level water use behaviour. We need to start questioning taken for granted practices and norms re water consumption. The purpose of this study isto look at household water use in 6 South African metros, compare actual household water use with perceived household water use, and also investigate individual perceptions on most effective water wise behaviour, and the main drivers influencing behaviour change. The impact of water demand management interventions will also be studied. Key observations are the following: 1. South African households still use significantly more water than other similar countries (rapidly developing and water scarce). Our socio-demographic profile allows for a much more diverse sample size. 2. Most households do not make use of alternative water sources such as boreholes, well points, rainwater harvesting tanks or greywater systems. 3. Despite the drought conditions in many metros, water demand is still above target points. 4. When behavioural change was confirmed, the main reasons for this as articulated by pilot survey respondents were 1). Concern for the environment; 2). Not enough for all to keep on using as much as we used to; and 3). It is the right thing to do as the main reasons. 5. Issue of water demand and water use behaviour in South Africa’s urban households is a complex issue that is beginning to reveal a multiplicity of intervening and influencing factors.