Greywater generation and reuse among residents of low-income urban settlements in the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly, Ghana

Abstract

Greywater management in Ghana has yet to receive the needed attention even though its current generation and reuse practices pose severe environmental and public health concerns, including odour nuisance, groundwater pollution, and risks from pathogens. This study examined the current greywater generation and reuse patterns among low-income urban residents in Kumasi, Ghana. Data were collected from three communities (Ayeduase, Kotei, and Twumduase) through cluster sampling, and a total of 458 questionnaires were administered to households. The average amount of greywater generated for various activities in low-income urban settlements was 53.7 l/c/d. The results showed that greywater reuse is not common among the study participants, but those who reuse it prefer laundry to kitchen and bathroom greywater. The proportion of greywater reuse was estimated at 20.1%, with 2.6, 0.9, and 17.9% of households reusing greywater from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, respectively. Factors that significantly influenced greywater reuse included age, the community of residence, and the type of house. The study suggests that increased education and awareness about greywater treatment, reuse, and impacts in low-income urban communities could lead to increased participation in its management.