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Article
Reducing the burden of rural water supply through greywater reuse: A case study from northern Malawi
Faculty Scholarship
  • Evan Newcomer, Drexel University
  • Courtney Boyd, Drexel University
  • Laban Nyirenda, Northern Zone WASH
  • Emmanuel Opong, World Vision International
  • Shannon Marquez, Drexel University
  • Rochelle Holm, University of Louisville
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2017
Department
Medicine
Disciplines
Abstract

Greywater reuse has potential for non-potable applications that conserve freshwater resources in water-stressed areas especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The feasibility of reusing greywater for domestic activities in a rural area of Malawi, Africa, was evaluated from microbiological and public acceptance perspectives. Median Escherichia coli concentrations for eight domestic greywater sources (handwashing, laundry, runoff from a tap apron, bathing, cleaning a home/kitchen, cleaning a water collection container, washing plates and soaking vegetables) ranged from 100 to >20, 000 colony forming units (cfu)/100 ml. Twenty-four of 47 greywater samples tested (51%) met the World Health Organization guideline for unrestricted use of greywater for irrigation. Pertinently, 80% (4/5) and 60% (3/5) of greywater samples from handwashing stations and bathing had E. coli less than the WHO guideline. Users reported greatest acceptance of reusing greywater for growing food and washing clothes, especially when the greywater source was bathing. Acceptance was closely tied to a household's economic standing, geographic location, and first-hand knowledge of reusing greywater. Greywater reuse practices in rural areas, especially targeting bathing water as suitable from bacteriological and user perception criteria, can help mitigate the impacts of water stress in sub-Saharan Africa.

DOI
10.2166/ws.2017.004
ORCID
0000-0001-8849-1390
Citation Information
Evan Newcomer, Courtney Boyd, Laban Nyirenda, Emmanuel Opong, et al.. "Reducing the burden of rural water supply through greywater reuse: A case study from northern Malawi" (2017)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/rochelle-holm/37/