Examining the efficacy of the legal framework governing the management of greywater in South Africa's informal settlements

Abstract

The management of greywater and sanitation in South Africa's urban informal settlements is a pressing concern. This review critically examines the legal framework that governs greywater management in South Africa's informal settlements, aiming to shed light on the existing regulations, gaps, and opportunities for sustainable greywater reuse. By scrutinizing the legal framework, the review identifies gaps and challenges in the regulatory environment, including inconsistencies, lack of clarity, and limited enforcement mechanisms. It explores the potential for international best practices to inform possible amendments to the existing legal framework. This was a quantitative research design utilizing a cross sectional survey model. Questionnaires were administered electronically to a sample of 17 municipal leaders from the City of Tshwane, City of Johannesburg and Buffalo City municipalities whose responsibilities were on water management. Descriptive statistics were employed in analysis of the data. Outcomes were reviewed against the alignment or the lack thereof with the SANS 1732:201x standards. This paper underscores the critical need for a coherent and robust legal framework to support responsible greywater management in South Africa's informal settlements. The paper's insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on water governance, shedding light on the pathways toward a more equitable water future.

Assessment of Greywater Reuse in a University Building in a Hyper-Arid Region: Quantity, Quality, and Social Acceptance

“…The development of greywater policies and guidelines assists in establishing its reuse as a national priority and provides decision-making criteria for its implementation [80]. Australia was one of the first countries that developed guidelines for greywater management as a remediation of freshwater shortages [83]. Australian standards cover the implementation of devices for diverting greywater, as well as greywater treatment and reuse systems [84].…”

“…Australian standards cover the implementation of devices for diverting greywater, as well as greywater treatment and reuse systems [84]. Likewise, the United States of America has state-based policies for greywater use founded on the ANSI and NSF standards for on-site greywater treatment and reuse [83]. NSF/ANSI 350 focuses on non-potable uses of greywater for toilet flushing and irrigation.…”

“…Finally, policies focused on ensuring that future constructions in Peru incorporate greywater recycling systems from the planning phase must be implemented, especially in areas with intense water scarcity, such as Tacna. Alternatively, if necessary, regional standards and guidelines should be implemented, as performed in other countries that lack national regulations but have local-level regulations [83].…”