Urban household uptake of water sensitive urban design measures : a comparative exploratory survey across the cities of Cape Town and Tshwane

Abstract

Population growth, climate change and increasing water consumption threaten the availability and quality of municipal water. In South Africa, climate change accelerates drought conditions leading to severe water shortages in areas such as the Western Cape. Cape Town came close to a day-zero due to drought conditions and excessive municipal water use, with households constituting the largest proportion of municipal water consumers. Water Sensitive Urban Design measures, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and permeable paving, may be used to help manage and curb municipal water use. This study aims to explore, describe and compare urban household uptake of these measures across the Cities of Cape Town and Tshwane to determine (1) past, present and future uptake, (2) factors influencing uptake, and (3) preference for municipal assistance to implement Water Sensitive Urban Design relative to other demand-side management instruments. A survey was conducted amongst households in standalone houses across suburbs and townships using a standardised questionnaire (N = 250). Significantly larger proportions of households in Cape Town compared to Tshwane took up measures, highlighting day-zero's possible effect. Significant factors were

limited to existing water-saving behaviour, income, and home-ownership, while log- linear analyses suggest little difference in the influence of factors between Cape

Town and Tshwane. Day-zero is therefore unlikely to cause a more permanent behavioural change in Cape Town. Municipal assistance to implement Water Sensitive Urban Design measures was the second most preferred demand-side management instrument, suggesting a preference for constructive rather than punitive instruments. There appears to be potential for the large scale household uptake of WSUD in South Africa. Therefore, indicating that it may be worthwhile for municipalities, as well as various other water authorities and service providers, to invest in WSUD. Recommendations are made for greater water sensitive urban planning in a South African context.