Exploring household water conservation methods in rural South Africa: a case of the Mbhashe and Mnquma local municipalities

Abstract Amidst the persistent drought disaster declared in 2015, the Amathole District Municipality grapples with severe water scarcity issues, particularly affecting local municipalities such as Mbhashe and Mnquma. Consequently, households in these areas confront the challenges of unreliable and contaminated water sources, prompting them to adopt water conservation measures to mitigate shortages. This study investigates the efficacy of water conservation methods among rural households in these drought-affected regions. It identifies associated challenges and potential interventions to ensure access to clean and dependable water. Employing a mixed methods approach, the study examines household water conservation practices through narrative analysis and descriptive statistics of survey data. Findings reveal that storing water in drums, containers, and tanks is the most prevalent conservation method, alongside measures like greywater reuse, lifestyle adjustments, and rainwater harvesting. With financial constraints and infrastructural limitations hindering broader adoption, the study found water conservation to be a challenge among the households as a minority (7.8%) of respondents adopted multiple water conservation strategies. In comparison, most respondents (73.6%) could only afford to practice one water conservation strategy at a time, and others (18.6%) had no conservation strategies. Drought conditions, lack of infrastructure, poverty, and attitudinal factors are primary barriers to effective water conservation. The study underscores the need for municipal-level initiatives to enhance water sources and advocates for increased investment in education, awareness campaigns, and policy interventions to address rural communities’ water scarcity challenges.