Effectiveness of household rainwater harvesting systems in South-Western coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to find out the performance of HHs RWH systems with respect to different factors and understand the various linkages with such factors on the effectiveness of RWH systems. In order to achieve this goal, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in Khulna and Satkhira districts. About 300 households were selected from the approximately 200 villages using a simple random sampling technique. A free listing segment consisting of five questions was added to the questionnaire. Moreover, a conceptual framework was developed based on six determinants. The data were analyzed using a logistic regression model to find out the major association between various factors with the effectiveness of RWHS. This study found that the RWH systems installed 1-4 years ago were more effective than those installed 5-8 years ago. It was also found that the DPHE-installed RWH system was more effective than those installed by the households using their own funds. However, the current capacity of most household storage tanks is not sufficient to meet year-round water demands due to the large family size. It is evident that households with 1-4 family members are more likely to have an effective RWHS compared to those having ≥ 9 members. Using a household RWH system has many benefits, i.e., proximity to the house (cited by 222 respondents, salience value= 0.589), allowing the users to do other productive activities. In the study area, most of the RWHS did not have all functionally adequate components causing difficulties in collecting water (cited by 56 respondents, salience value= 0.170). The users had a good practice of frequent cleaning various components of RWHS. It was found that the users who clean the storage tank and downpipe at least one time a year are more likely to mention that their RWHS is more effective than those who do not clean the tank and downpipe. On the other hand, first flushing has a significant impact on the improvement of rainwater quality. The users who waited >25 minutes before collecting water had a higher odds ratio of their RWHS being an ‘effective’ RWH system than those who did not apply first flushing. Nevertheless, the users did not have sufficient knowledge of water treatment methods (cited by 10 users, salience value= 0.033) and testing practices (cited by 29 respondents, salience value= 0.084) in the study areas. One of the most important contributions of this study is the observed lack of training on operation and maintenance (O&M) and monitoring support for the RWHS, affecting the functionality and rainwater quality. The users who received training on O&M had higher odds of their RWHS being ‘effective’ than those who did not receive training. A significant number of users mentioned that they need financial support for O&M purposes (cited by 25 respondents, salience value=0.075). A study like this can provide clues as to the possible drivers of the effectiveness and the interventions that may be required for promoting household rainwater harvesting programs in the water-scarce region of Bangladesh.