ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
Water scarcity issues worldwide are becoming increasingly prevalent, attributed mainly to environmental challenges. To alleviate the burden on clean water resources, adopting treated greywater systems presents a viable alternative. Yet, implementing such systems within the Malaysian context remains in its infancy. A comprehensive survey was conducted to gauge consumer receptivity and understand the greywater recycling concept and its potential implications. This aim is to assess the feasibility of greywater use from the consumer's perspective and to ascertain its alignment with their needs. The survey sought to enlighten consumers on the sustainability of treated greywater to reduce reliance on increasingly scarce clean water supplies. Conducted online, the questionnaire comprised two sections and targeted residents of Seksyen 7, Shah Alam. The findings revealed varying understanding and acceptance of the greywater concept across educational backgrounds. Notably, individuals with a bachelor's degree and secondary school students exhibited a higher propensity (62% and 75%, respectively) to grasp the greywater concept compared to other demographic groups. Interestingly, the survey also uncovered a generational divide in the willingness to adopt greywater systems, with older participants showing a 12% reluctance rate, in contrast to a 7% reluctance rate among younger respondents. This resistance was primarily attributed to discomfort with the nature of greywater and prevailing cultural perceptions. Despite these concerns, most (79%) respondents acknowledged the potential of treated greywater to conserve clean water resources. This recognition translated into a widespread willingness to modify household plumbing to accommodate a greywater system, underscoring the participants' robust awareness and commitment to environmental conservation. This study highlights the critical role of consumer education and cultural adaptation in the broader adoption of greywater recycling technologies. By fostering a deeper understanding and addressing prevailing misconceptions, Malaysia can tap into the untapped potential of greywater systems to mitigate water scarcity challenges.
Bakare, B. F., Mtsweni, S., & Rathilal, S. (2016). A pilot study into public attitudes and perceptions towards greywater reuse in a low cost housing development in Durban, South Africa. Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination, 6(2), 345–354.https://doi.org/10.2166/wrd.2015.076
Bakare, B. F., Mtsweni, S., & Rathilal, S. (2017). Characteristics of greywater from different sources within households in a community in Durban, South Africa. Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination. https://doi.org/10.2166/wrd.2016.092
Boano, F., Caruso, A., Costamagna, E., Ridolfi, L., Fiore, S., Demichelis, F., Galvão, A., Pisoeiro, J., Rizzo, A., & Masi, F. (2020). A review of nature-based solutions for greywater treatment: Applications, hydraulic design, and environmental benefits. In Science of the Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134731
Department of Statistics Malaysia. (2019). Department of Statistics Malaysia Press Release: Current Population Estimates, Malaysia, 2018-2019. Department of Statistics Malaysia.
Dwumfour-Asare, B., Adantey, P., Biritwum Nyarko, K., & Appiah-Effah, E. (2017). Greywater characterization and handling practices among urban households in Ghana: The case of three communities in Kumasi Metropolis. Water Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2017.229
Finley, S., Barrington, S., & Lyew, D. (2009). Reuse of domestic greywater for the irrigation of food crops. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 199(1–4), 235–245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-008-9874-x
Hyde, K., Smith, M. J., & Adeyeye, K. (2017). Developments in the quality of treated greywater supplies for buildings, and associated user perception and acceptance. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 12(2), 136–140. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijlct/ctw006
Khong, C. M. (2009). Perception and use of graywater in Berkeley, California.
Law, B. B. (2005). The Usage of Domestic Water Filtration Systems in Malaysia. 119.
Li, Z., Boyle, F., & Reynolds, A. (2010). Rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment systems for domestic application in Ireland. In Desalination. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2010.05.035
Maraqa, M. A., & Ghoudi, K. (2012). Public Perception of Water Conservation, Reclamation and Greywater Use in the United Arab Emirates. International Proceedings of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering.
Mat, E. A. T., Shaari, J., & How, V. K. (2013). Wastewater production, treatment and use in Malaysia. In Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture: 5th Regional Workshop for Southeast and Eastern Asia.
Khalid, R. (2018). Review of the water supply management and reforms needed to ensure water security in Malaysia. In International Journal of Business and Society.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia. (2014). National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia-Annex. National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia-Annex. http://www.wepa- db.net/policies/law/malaysia/eq_surface.htm
Newcomer, E., Boyd, C., Nyirenda, L., Opong, E., Marquez, S., & Holm, R. (2017). Reducing the burden of rural water supply through greywater reuse: A case study from northern Malawi. Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 17(4), 1088–1096. https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2017.004
Olaniyi, A. O., Abdullah, A. M., Ramli, M. F., & Sood, A. M. (2013). Agricultural land use in Malaysia: An historical overview and implications for food security. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science.
Oteng-Peprah, M., Acheampong, M. A., & deVries, N. K. (2018). Greywater Characteristics, Treatment Systems, Reuse Strategies and User Perception—a Review. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018-3909-8
Paper, A. S. M. P. (2014). ASM Position Paper 2/2014. 2.
Rodda, N., Carden, K., Armitage, N., & du Plessis, H. M. (2011). Development of guidance for sustainable irrigation use of greywater in gardens and small-scale agriculture in South Africa. Water SA, 37(5), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v37i5.10
Saimy, I. S., & Yusof, N. A. M. (2013a). The Need for Better Water Policy and Governance in Malaysia. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 81, 371–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.06.445
Saimy, I. S., & Yusof, N. A. M. (2013b). The Need for Better Water Policy and Governance in Malaysia. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.06.445
Santos, C., Taveira-Pinto, F., Cheng, C. Y., & Leite, D. (2012). Development of an experimental system for greywater reuse. Desalination. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2011.10.017
Shafiquzzaman, M., Haider, H., AlSaleem, S. S., Ghumman, A. R., & Sadiq, R. (2018). Development of consumer perception index for assessing greywater reuse potential in arid environments. Water SA, 44(4), 771–781. https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v44i4.25
Singh, V., Kaur, A., Ghawana, T., & Gupta, N. C. (2018). Feasibility Study of Treatment Technologies for Greywater to Enhance Water Security. 13(6), 4042–4048.
Smedley, T. (2017). Is the world running out of fresh water? - BBC Future. BBC Future.
Jaafar, J., Hanizan, H., Othman, Z., & Baki, A. (2024). Integrating Sustainable Education from the View of Consumer Perceptions and Acceptance of Reusing Treated Greywater for Clean Water Substitution. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(4), 671–684.
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode