Problem Statement:

A school with 500 students and 50 staff members is facing a severe water shortage. The school
has a limited water supply of 10 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠 per day. However, the school's water usage is
estimated to be 15 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠 per day.

Mathematical Solutions:

1. Water Conservation

- water usage per person: 15 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑑𝑎𝑦 ÷ 550 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 27.27 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠/𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛/𝑑𝑎𝑦

- Setting a target to reduce water usage by 30%: 27.27 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠/𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛/𝑑𝑎𝑦 × 0.3 =

- the new total water usage: 550 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 × 19.09 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛/𝑑𝑎𝑦 = 10,500 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑑𝑎𝑦

2. Rainwater Harvesting

- Calculating the roof area of the school: 1 000 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠

- Calculating the amount of rainfall per year: 600 𝑚𝑚/𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 × 1 000 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 =
600 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟

- Calculating the amount of rainwater that can be harvested per day: 600 000 𝑙/𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 ÷
365 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠/𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 = 1 643 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑑𝑎𝑦

3. Greywater Reuse

- Calculate the amount of greywater generated per day: 500 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 × 20 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡/
𝑑𝑎𝑦 = 10 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑑𝑎𝑦

- Calculate the amount of greywater that can be reused per day: 10 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠/𝑑𝑎𝑦 × 0.5 =
5 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑑𝑎𝑦

4. Water Storage

- Calculate the required water storage capacity: 10 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠/𝑑𝑎𝑦 × 3 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 = 30 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠

- Design a water storage system that can store 30 000 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠 of water

Water Conservation

Advantages:

1. Reduced water consumption: Conserving water reduces the demand on the school's water
supply.

2. Cost-effective: Implementing water-saving measures can be done at a low cost.

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3. Environmental benefits: Conserving water helps reduce the school's environmental impact.

Disadvantages:

1. Behavioral changes required: Students and staff must change their behavior to conserve water.

2. Limited impact: Water conservation alone may not be enough to solve the water scarcity
problem.

3. Potential negative impact on hygiene: Reducing water usage may compromise hygiene
standards.

Rainwater Harvesting

Advantages:
1. Supplements water supply: Rainwater harvesting can provide a supplementary source of water.

2. Reduces stormwater runoff: Harvesting rainwater reduces stormwater runoff and alleviates
pressure on drainage systems.
3. Low operating costs: Once installed, rainwater harvesting systems have low operating costs.

Disadvantages:

1. High upfront costs: Installing a rainwater harvesting system can be expensive.

2. Dependence on rainfall: Rainwater harvesting is dependent on rainfall, which can be

3. Maintenance requirements: Rainwater harvesting systems require regular maintenance to ensure

Greywater Reuse

Advantages:

1. Reduces wastewater generation: Reusing greywater reduces the amount of wastewater

2. Conserves potable water: Reusing greywater conserves potable water for drinking, cooking, and
hygiene.

3. Low costs: Greywater reuse systems can be implemented at a relatively low cost.

Disadvantages:

1. Water quality concerns: Greywater may contain contaminants that require treatment before
reuse.

2. Potential health risks: Improperly treated greywater can pose health risks to users.

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3. Requires separate plumbing: Greywater reuse requires separate plumbing systems to prevent
cross-contamination.

Water Storage

Advantages:

1. Provides buffer against water scarcity: Water storage provides a buffer against water scarcity
during dry periods.

2. Helps regulate water supply: Water storage helps regulate the water supply, reducing the impact
of sudden changes in demand.

3. Can be used for non-potable purposes: Stored water can be used for non-potable purposes, such
as flushing toilets or irrigating plants.

Disadvantages:

1. High upfront costs: Building water storage infrastructure can be expensive.

2. Space requirements: Water storage requires dedicated space, which can be a challenge in urban
areas.

3. Maintenance requirements: Water storage infrastructure requires regular maintenance to ensure

Based on the analysis, I would recommend Rainwater Harvesting as the best solution. Here's why:

Advantages:

1. Supplements water supply: Rainwater harvesting can provide a supplementary source of water,
reducing the school's reliance on municipal water.

2. Reduces stormwater runoff: Harvesting rainwater reduces stormwater runoff and alleviates
pressure on drainage systems.

3. Low operating costs: Once installed, rainwater harvesting systems have low operating costs.

Disadvantages:
1. High upfront costs: Installing a rainwater harvesting system can be expensive.

2. Dependence on rainfall: Rainwater harvesting is dependent on rainfall, which can be

3. Maintenance requirements: Rainwater harvesting systems require regular maintenance to ensure

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1. Sustainability: Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable solution that reduces the school's
environmental footprint.

2. Water security: Rainwater harvesting provides a supplementary source of water, reducing the
school's reliance on municipal water.

3. Cost-effective: While the upfront costs are high, the long-term benefits and low operating costs
make rainwater harvesting a cost-effective solution.

Implementation recommendations:

1. Conduct a feasibility study: Assess the school's rainfall patterns, roof area, and water demand to
determine the viability of rainwater harvesting.

2. Design a suitable system: Design a rainwater harvesting system that meets the school's water
needs and is tailored to the local climate and rainfall patterns.

3. Install and maintain the system: Install the rainwater harvesting system and ensure regular
maintenance to ensure water quality and system efficiency.

By implementing rainwater harvesting, the school can reduce its water scarcity problems, decrease
its environmental impact, and enjoy long-term cost savings.

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