SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN DROUGHT-PRONE AREAS
Abstract
Rapid population growth, increasing construction activities, and recurring water scarcity have intensified pressure on potable water resources, particularly in developing countries. The construction industry is a major consumer of freshwater, using significant volumes for concrete production, curing, earthworks, and dust suppression. This study investigates the feasibility of substituting potable water with alternative non-potable water sources in construction operations, with the aim of reducing dependence on drinking-quality water without compromising material performance. Rainwater and erosion (run-off) water were collected from Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria, and evaluated for suitability in construction applications. Laboratory investigations included physical assessment, pH analysis, and compressive strength testing of concrete cubes produced using a 1:2:4 mix ratio. Concrete specimens were cured for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, and their strength development was compared with concrete mixed using standard potable water. Results indicate that the pH values of rainwater and erosion water fall within acceptable limits for construction use. Concrete produced with rainwater consistently exhibited compressive strength values equal to or higher than those obtained using potable water, while erosion water produced slightly lower but progressively increasing strength values that remained suitable for non-structural and low-load applications. Physical observations further confirmed that basic filtration is sufficient to improve the usability of erosion water for construction purposes. The study concludes that rainwater harvesting and erosion water collection are viable and sustainable alternatives to potable water in construction operations. Their adoption can significantly reduce potable water demand, lower construction costs, and minimize delays during periods of water scarcity. The findings support the controlled use of non-potable water in construction and highlight the need for expanded water quality testing and long-term performance evaluation to promote sustainable water management in the construction industry.
KEYWORDS: Alternative water sources, Rainwater harvesting, Construction water management, Concrete compressive strength, Sustainable construction.
-------------------
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Adewumi, J. R., & Ojo, O. M. (2023). Sustainable water management strategies for construction projects in developing countries. Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering, 6(2), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsce.2023.04.003
Akinwale, A. O., Ogunleye, O. S., & Ajayi, A. O. (2022). Rainfall variability and flood risk in Nigeria: Implications for urban infrastructure. Natural Hazards, 112(1), 789–807. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-022-05312-1
Al-Shamrani, O. S., Galal, K., &Elshafie, M. Z. E. B. (2020). Performance of concrete mixed with non-potable water. Construction and Building Materials, 240, 117983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117983
FAO. (2022). The state of the world’s land and water resources for food and agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
González-Ortega, M. J., Segura-Castillo, L., & Medina, C. (2021). Alternative water sources for concrete production: A review. Sustainability, 13(9), 4892. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094892
IPCC. (2023). Climate change 2023: Synthesis report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Ismail, S., Rashid, K., & Khan, M. I. (2024). Use of treated wastewater in construction materials: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Cleaner Production, 418, 140310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140310
Kumar, P., Singh, R., & Gupta, R. (2022). Rainwater harvesting as a sustainable solution for construction water demand. Water Resources Management, 36(4), 1107–1123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-021-03059-4
Neville, A. M. (2020). Properties of concrete (6th ed.). Pearson Education.
Nkwunonwo, U. C., Whitworth, M., & Baily, B. (2020). Flooding and flood risk reduction in Nigeria: Lessons from recent events. Natural Hazards, 100(2), 495–520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-019-03834-2
UNEP. (2021). Global status report for buildings and construction. United Nations Environment Programme.
WHO, & UNICEF. (2023). Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000–2022. World Health Organization.
World Bank. (2023). Water in circular economy and construction. World Bank Group.
Zhang, J., Li, X., & Liu, Y. (2021). Effects of water quality on concrete performance: A review. Materials, 14(18), 5204. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14185204
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright © 2022-2025. Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University. All Rights Reserved..