Investigating the Quality of Harvested Rainwater and the Perception of Users and Non-Users in Sunyani, Ghana

Harvested rainwater is often considered a sustainable water source for various purposes, including domestic use, and has gained increasing attention worldwide, particularly in Ghana which faced several water challenges. This practice contributes significantly to sustainable development by providing essentially “free” water to many people. The safety and acceptance of harvested rainwater among consumers in these regions are largely unknown although they are essential for its widespread adoption. This research investigated the public perception of harvested rainwater in Sunyani, examining both users and non-users of rainwater harvesting (RWH) to assess its suitability for potable and non-potable uses. Additionally, it assessed the practices of harvested rainwater users and the quality of the harvested rainwater. Questionnaires were administered to users and non-users of harvested rainwater. Also, samples of harvested rainwater were analyzed for their physicochemical and microbial qualities. The findings revealed that while users of harvested rainwater think it is safe, non-users had counterviews. Most respondents among the users (75.4%) and non-users (47.3%) have heard about the potential risk of harvested rainwater but do not have in-depth knowledge about it. However, these groups are open to education on RWH. Harvested rainwater users use it for both potable and non-potable purposes. The general physicochemical characteristics of the sampled harvested rainwater were good while microbial qualities were above national standards for potable use. Overall, the results offer significant evidence supporting the advantages of rainwater harvesting and advocate for its increased adoption, particularly in regions lacking or with limited access to public water supplies.