Urban Water Management and Public Acceptance of Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Insights from Young and Educated Respondents in Muslim Communities

Syairuniza Suni, Muhammad Haarith Firdaous (), Fifi Faulina Zailani, Stefan Gödeke, Raihana Mohd Raffi and Pg Emeroylariffion Abas ()
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Syairuniza Suni: Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
Muhammad Haarith Firdaous: Sekolah Menengah Arab Laki-Laki Hassanal Bolkiah, Bandar Seri Begawan BA2112, Brunei
Fifi Faulina Zailani: Office of Assistant Vice-Chancellor Industrial Engagement and Entrepreneurship Development, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
Stefan Gödeke: Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
Raihana Mohd Raffi: Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1310, Brunei
Pg Emeroylariffion Abas: Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-32

Abstract: As water scarcity and environmental sustainability become increasingly critical global concerns, there is a growing need to identify alternative water resources. This study investigates public acceptance of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) systems in Brunei Darussalam for non-potable uses and ablution purposes. Using an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework, the research evaluates key factors influencing public perceptions, including Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude Towards Use (ATU), Intentions to Use (ITU), and external factors such as Perceived Cost (PC), Subjective Knowledge (SK), and Technical Requirements (TR). Survey data were analyzed through regression techniques to assess these relationships. The results validate the TAM framework for understanding acceptance of RWH systems and highlight strong positive relationships between PEU, PU, and ATU, with ATU emerging as the strongest predictor of behavioral intentions (ITU). External factors like PC and TR were identified as barriers to adoption, emphasizing the need for financial incentives and technical support. Additionally, subjective knowledge was found to positively influence PU and ITU, underscoring the importance of public awareness campaigns. While concerns about the safety and quality of recycled rainwater were present, they were not significant deterrents to acceptance. The findings also reveal broad support for initiatives such as education, technical guidance, and maintenance services to enhance adoption. Muslim respondents expressed positive attitudes toward using rainwater for ablution, aligning with religious principles of water conservation. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and relevant agencies to promote RWH systems as a sustainable water management solution, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).

Keywords: rainwater harvesting; public acceptance; feasibility study; technology acceptance model; ablution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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