Household Water-use Behaviors in Rural Limpopo Province of South Africa

Population growth and climate change increasingly threatens water security in rural areas of South Africa such as in Limpopo province. The severe drought experienced by Limpopo province also impacted the agricultural sector hence resulting in reduced food security. Polokwane District depends on the Olifants River to get water, other areas depend on stored water in dams, borehole water and rain harvesting. This study examines household consumption behaviors and knowledge of Limpopo water saving policies. The study used surveys and interviews to collect data from 4 villages namely Kgopaneng, Makubu, Malokela and Ga-Phala. A regression model was developed to analyze the data collected. The results show that while most rural households depend on ground water, they do not practice saving water policies. The results also show lack of education regarding reuse of domestic wastewater in agriculture. Recycling household water back to agricultural use was recommended. The study suggests water-saving policies such as reusing domestic water for irrigation in water-scarce communities.