Predicting greywater reuse for potable and non-potable purposes in a developing country – a theory of planned behaviour approach

Abstract

This study was aimed at predicting grey water reuse in a municipality of a developing country using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). It sought to identify the beliefs that influence people’s intentions to reuse grey water for potable and non-potable purposes. Residents within the municipality completed a questionnaire designed with the TPB constructs and other demographic data. Results revealed an excellent fit for potable reuse intention and a mediocre fit for non-potable reuse intentions. Attitudes and behavioral control were the constructs that significantly influenced intentions to reuse grey water for both potable and non-potable purposes. Location of the source of water to the respondents and level of education were introduced as background factors. Location of the source of water had no significant direct or indirect influence on intentions to reuse grey water for potable or non-potable purposes. Level of education had a non-significant indirect and direct effect on intentions to reuse grey water for potable purpose but is mediated through attitudes and perceived behavioral control for non-potable reuse intentions. Strategies aimed at promoting grey water reuse should be targeted at a specific reuse option and not a wholesale intervention that is expected to address all reuse interventions