Assessment of Rooftop Rain-water Harvesting Practice and Potential of West Arsi Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Water availability issue and potable water supply is crucial for increasing population and decreasing fresh water source worldwide, in Ethiopia and In West Arsi. Water supply coverage is not fully achieved to date was 68.1% in West Arsi and alternative source should be utilized in addition to existing one. Water-related issues are critical for sustainable development, and many organizations work towards improving water accessibility, quality, and management in various regions.The study was conducted to assess rooftop rainwater harvesting practice and potential for an alternative water source ofWest Arsi Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. This study focuses on evaluate status of rooftop rain-water harvesting system, harvesting potential and identify rooftop compatibility for rooftop rain-water harvesting system in solving the water availability issue. Qualitative and quantitative research approach was performed using both primary and secondary source of data. Data were collected through survey of rooftop rainwater harvesting system and conducting questioners and interviews, and using roof plan for roof area estimation and metrological data was used to determine available harvesting potential, physical observation for compatibility of rooftop for harvesting and analysis. The collected data were analyzed by using statistical tools; SPSS and MS excel tools. The result shows all constructed rooftop rain-water harvesting system was not under service and some are not with full system components as per available potential. Poor design, construction method, material and luck of skilled manpower were constraints to proper functioning of constructed rooftop rain-water harvesting system. Precise operation and maintenance and management are very important and about 89% of roof type was compatible for the system. Proper design, construction methods, skilled manpower and material and, study supported with policy is very important for efficient use of this resource. If available potential is fully used 27% of water demand will be supported by the system.