Wastewater Reuse: a Lost Opportunity in Malawi John F. Kamanula Department of Chemistry Mzuzu University WASAMA Conference, Sunbird Nkopola Lodge, 20th -22nd March 2017 2/11/2018

Situation overview Safe drinking water, good sanitation and hygiene are important for good health, human survival and development. However, about 1 billion people in the world have no access to safe, clean drinking water and 2.5 billion people have no access to improved sanitation (UNICEF/WHO, 2012). Due to overpopulation, urbanization, prolonged drought, increase in water tariffs, inconsistent potable water supply, safe water is now a scarce commodity. Could alternative sources of water solve the problem? 2/11/2018

Alternative Sources of water Groundwater Unprotected shallow well in Ndirande, Blantyre. Shallow well in Zolozolo, Mzuzu. Wastewater Surface water 2/11/2018

Table 1: E. coli in selected shallow well water from Zolozolo Township, Mzuzu City. ______________________________________________ Name of Well E. coli (counts/100 mL) Nyamkandawire 0 S. Nguluwe TNTC A. Mwafulirwa 2 J. Phiri 3 R. Nkhoma 0 A. Mtambo 0 V. Singini 1 _____________________________________________________ 2/11/2018

Table 2: E. coli in selected shallow wells and B/Hs in Ndirande T/Ship, Blantyre (Kamanula et al., 2014). _______________________________________________ Name of water source E. coli (counts/100 mL) Kaphiri TNTC Dailesi TNTC Linesi TNTC Mai Gulu 0 Falakadzo kiosk 0 Tchanga B/H TNTC Golio Mosque B/H TNTC Makata P/S B/H TNTC ________________________________________________ 2/11/2018

Wastewater Waste water- spent water. Wastewater is generated both in rural and urban areas in Malawi. Wastewater generation has increased due to: -increase in population -urbanization -industrialization 2/11/2018

Wastewater treatment Wastewater treatment is important: To protect the environment. To prevent physical, chemical and biological contamination of water resources. 2/11/2018

Residential Wastewater Reuse Greywater treatment & recycling 2/11/2018

Why Wastewater Reuse? Water is life. Due to overpopulation, urbanization, prolonged drought, increase in water tariffs, inconsistent potable water supply, water is now a scarce commodity. Hence people look for alternative water sources apart from piped water. Wastewater reuse –supplement/alternative or both? 2/11/2018

Benefits of wastewater reuse Urban use A large percentage of water used for urban activities requires less degree of quality as that of drinking water. Toilet and urinal flushing. Have dual distribution system, one for drinking water and another for reclaimed water. This could conserve the limited water resources we have. 2/11/2018

Benefits of wastewater reuse Agricultural use Production of food and non-food crops. Protection of surface water pollution due to direct discharge of wastewater. Concerns Health concerns Public perception. 2/11/2018

Benefits of wastewater reuse Industrial use Boiler feed water Cooling systems Construction Reduction costs associated with wastewater treatment and disposal. Recreational use 2/11/2018

Guidelines Good practice plus wastewater reuse standards Urban Reuse Restricted-Access-Area Irrigation Agriculture Reuse Recreational Impoundments Landscape Impoundments Construction Uses Industrial Reuse Groundwater Recharge Indirect Potable Reuse 2/11/2018

Willingness for wastewater reuse Organization Water used 1. SOBO (MZ) 350 M3/day They recycle water on a small-scale. Use it for car washing, urban agriculture mainly maize and tomato production. 2. BAKHRESA (MZ) 300M3/month They spend about MK550,000.00 No wastewater treatment plant. They are willing to use treated wastewater. 2/11/2018

Willingness for wastewater reuse 3. Universal Industries (MZ) They produce Nyika water, Peoples water, Sunbird water, Kamba puffs. They use 2,600 kL/month. No wastewater treatment plant. They are willing to have a wastewater treatment plant. Willing to use treated waste water for other purposes apart from production of bottled water. 2/11/2018

They budget for MK3,500,000.00/month. 4. Mzuzu C. Hospital They budget for MK3,500,000.00/month. But have been using appr. MK2,000,000/month. Amount of wastewater generated not known. They have wastewater stabilisation ponds. They don’t reuse wastewater. Are willing to use treated wastewater but not for consumption. 2/11/2018

MZUNI like other institutions generates wastewater. Wastewater generated could be used as a feedstock for biogas and urban agriculture. They have oxidation ponds managed by Estates Dept. They are willing to use treated wastewater for other uses apart from consumption. 2/11/2018

Conclusions Large quantities of wastewater are produced in MW. Sustainable wastewater reuse could: -reduce Food insecurity in MW. -reduce Water shortage. What shall we do then? Paradigm shift Emphasize that wastewater is a resource. Policies that will make wastewater a useful resource. Hence need for effective wastewater management for future water security. 2/11/2018

Acknowledgements Ndirande residents Zolozolo residents MZCH Management SOBO Universal Industries BAKHRESA WASAMA MZUNI 2/11/2018

THANK YOU 2/11/2018