Exploring water conservation strategies in housing construction projects in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

South Africa faces a persistent water shortage crisis, with the City of Cape Town severely affected between 2015 and 2018. Construction projects, particularly housing developments, are known for their intensive water consumption; yet water conservation practices during the construction phase remain underexplored. Despite the recognition of limitations in sustainable construction knowledge and practices, inefficiencies in water usage persist in the low-cost housing sector. This article investigates water-conservation methods during housing construction in Cape Town, aiming to identify sources of water use, assess current conservation practices, and propose actionable solutions to optimise water efficiency. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods for a holistic analysis. Data was collected through a self-designed questionnaire distributed to 104 construction personnel, including private contractors and government project managers. Responses were analysed using IBM SPSS, employing descriptive statistics. The findings highlight a notable deficiency in current water-conservation practices during construction, highlighting the necessity for stricter monitoring, the adoption of innovative technologies such as closed-loop water systems, and increased awareness among site personnel. The analysis identified strong support for rainwater collection, leak detection systems, and the adoption of pre-mixed materials to reduce water use. These findings highlight the urgent need to integrate water-efficient policies and practices within the construction sector. This article contributes to understanding sustainable water use in housing construction, offering insights that can inform policymakers, construction firms, and researchers. The findings provide a foundation for future studies and strategies to mitigate water-scarcity challenges in the construction industry.