Utilization rates, water demand and wastewater characteristics of a shared sanitation facility in North Namibia

Abstract

Shared sanitation facilities are often the only feasible option for sanitation provision in informal settlements. When implementing infrastructure for wastewater collection and treatment, information regarding quantities and constituent loadings is required. Up to now, such data are not available for shared sanitation. In order to provide this information, this study focuses on wastewater characteristics of a shared sanitation facility in North Namibia. The input data used for planning are compared with monitoring data. This includes utilization rates, water demand, loads and concentrations of total chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total dissolved solids. During the survey period, two different tariff levels were tested. Their effect on utilization rates and water demand is outlined. The results obtained from this study are particularly valuable for better planning of shared sanitation facilities, and subsequent wastewater transport, treatment and reuse infrastructures. Future studies should include further aspects and influencing factors such as population density, available income, or the influence of competing facilities.