Assessment of the Ethical, Social and Health Acceptability Perceptions of Water Reuse for Potable Purposes in Windhoek

Abstract

This paper summarizes the human and engineering dimensions of water reuse including ethical, health and social aspects in Windhoek. A survey was carried out through a structured questionnaire on various stakeholders to investigate the water quality assurance, control and publicity that should accompany water reuse for potable use. The questionnaire examined existing links between both direct and indirect water reuse sources and sustainable water management in the Upper Swakop Basin within which Windhoek falls. In view of diminishing fresh water that is threatened by water pollution the paper also examined the existence of integrated urban water planning to control and curb water pollution of the downstream freshwater Swakoppoort dam supplying the city of Windhoek. Slightly above half (53.5%) of the respondents were willing to drink water treated and certified reclaimed water to keep alive; 16.9% would resort to drinking bottled water and 28.2% would buy a filter and put it on the tap. Greater than 60% of respondents had trust and assurances of the safety of certified recycled water from the NGWRP water reuse plant. Nearly half (43.5%) of the general respondents wished there could be public bill boards sharing information of the product water quality. The involvement of all stakeholders affecting or affected by activities related to the direct or indirect water reuse for drinking is required to improve the water quality sources of recycled water and the routes of exposure. Proper effective awareness and educational programmes should be aimed at reducing discharge of hazardous chemicals from households. Communities should be educated to refrain from carelessly dumping point and non-point sources of water pollution. By tracing recycled water and fresh water systems from source, water pollution risks can be minimised.