Onsite greywater treatment for reuse at Zandspruit informal settlement in Johannesburg

Abstract: The urban landscape in South Africa is marred by informal settlements. Nearly a quarter of its population lives in shacks and do not have access to sufficient clean water and improved sanitation. The aim of the present study was to ascertain household daily water consumption and quantify the amount of greywater generated at Zandspruit slums. Another objective was to assess perceptions and user acceptability towards treated greywater reuse in urban slums. Overly, the study endeavour to elucidate the potential benefits of greywater reuse in informal settlements. The author used a systematic literature review and administered a survey questionnaire to fulfil these objectives. The survey was conducted between the 1st of February and the 29th of March 2019. Zandspruit settlement has the capacity to produce significant amount of greywater for reuse. Observed daily water consumption varies from 40 – 400 L/du.d. With a mean return factor of 0.62 a medium-sized family will produce an average of 121 litres per day. 83% of the residents accept reuse of treated greywater for non-potable purposes. A further 69% expressed willingness to reuse treated greywater for drinking and cooking. The implementation of onsite greywater treatment and reuse will certainly unlock socioeconomic benefits and enhance water availability to some of the poorest people in South Africa.