Rainwater harvesting augmentation of domestic water supply in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quigley, Nicholas; Beavis, Sara G.; White, Ian
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of water resources. Volume 20:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Solomon Islands -- rainwater tanks -- water supply -- rainwater harvesting -- drought -- development -- small island developing nations; Water resources development -- Australia -- Periodicals; Hydrology -- Australia -- Periodicals; Water-supply -- Australia -- Periodicals; 627.099405
• DOI: 10.1080/13241583.2016.1173314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1324-1583

Abstract

Abstract: Secure and sanitary water supply is essential for human health and well-being. The challenges in meeting this demand are great in Small Island Developing States where water resources may be limited due to social and environmental constraints. In Honiara, Solomon Islands, a number of factors have constrained access to fresh water including: rapid population growth and urbanisation; neglected water infrastructure; the ethnic tensions; water tariff increases of 170% in the past 3 years; sole reliance on groundwater; and poor supporting electrical infrastructure. Within this context, the case for using rainwater tanks as either a predominant source or for augmentation of existing domestic water supply has been explored. The effect of historical drought events on rainwater tanks has been examined. A water balance model has been developed and various household scenarios reviewed to determine the reliability of domestic rainwater tanks over a 28-year period. The development of this model has highlighted both opportunities and limitations in Honiara that can be used to inform decision-makers and planners in water resources management.