Many citizens living in Old Havana, Cuba, do not have regular access to potable water in their homes. As a result, this thesis explores how the water infrastructure in Old Havana shapes the everyday lives of local residents. The empirical material in this study was collected during two months of minor field studies in Havana mainly through the qualitative research methods of interviews and diaries but also through observations. The results were analyzed through four main theoretical concepts: the social practice approach in technology, hydraulic citizenship, social practice theory and feminist theory. Results revealed that the local water infrastructure produces and reproduces social inequalities and domestic do-it-yourself practices. It was also revealed that women carry out most of the domestic water activities, largely due to prevailing machismo ideals and traditional gender norms. Consequently, women in Old Havana are generally more affected by water supply irregularities and malfunctioning infrastructure than men.

Water is essential to life, but it is becoming inadequate, even in Europe. In central, western, and a few parts of northern and northeastern Europe, water availability is facing challenges due to the impacts of climate change. These impacts further cause strains on water abstractions needed for agriculture, industries, energy, and public water supply, as well as causing extreme weather conditions like droughts during the summer. One possibility is to reduce these issues by raising awareness among individuals of their direct and indirect water consumption. However, this study implies that people cannot visualize their water consumption due to not possessing or conveniently accessing their water meter. Thus, this thesis explores the implementation of gamification and its features using a prototype to observe if this can create motivation to educate individuals in reducing their water consumption. This study uses research through design approach centered around the mid-fidelity mobile application prototype, named SAVR, developed in the iterative design process. The iterative process consists of three phases where the participants are involved in evaluating the prototype containing gamification features. The results suggest that specific game features such as points, progress and feedback successfully engaged participants in using the prototype, consequently changing their attitude, and stimulating some awareness raised on their water consumption. Overall, this opens a scope for municipalities to adopt a gamified mobile application to communicate the importance of sustainable water use as well as educating the citizens of the awareness in a playful way.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The focus of the study is to theoretically assess tank-water demand and employ methods to establish the actual tank-water demand at selected houses in a case study area. This study also examines the influence of domestic rainwater harvesting systems when used in combination with a municipal water distribution system. The case study comprises of 410 low cost housing units in the Western Cape. The system demand patterns of low cost housing units are uncharacteristic, when compared with suburban system demand patterns, and cannot be defined by traditional models. Similarly, the use of rainwater harvesting systems in these areas follows an unconventional routine that is yet to be defined. A stochastic end-use model for water demand is developed which produces temporal profiles for water supplied from both sources, namely the water distribution system and the rainwater harvesting system. The model approximates a daily system and tank-water demand pattern for a single domestic household, using @RISK software. The demand estimation methodology is clarified through application on a particular case study site where harvested rainwater is frequently utilized. Estimates of the parameter values are based on consumer surveys and previous studies on the case study area, where the household size was defined in the form of a probability distribution. The results confirm the atypical system demand patterns in low cost housing units units. Although two clear peaks exist in the morning and in the evening, a relatively constant average flow is present throughout the day. A sensitivity analysis of all the model parameters verified that the household size has the most substantial influence on the tank-water demand pattern. The system and tank-water demand patterns were compared to published average daily water demand guidelines, which confirmed that increased water savings could be achieved when the rainwater source is accessible inside the household with minimal effort. The stochastic demand profiles derived as part of this research agree with the metered system demand in the same area. The results of this study could be incorporated into the future development of national standards. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die fokus van die studie is om die tenkwater-aanvraag teoreties te ontleed en metodes in werking te stel om die werklike tenkwater-aanvraag vas te stel by geselekteerde huise in ‘n gevallestudie area. Hierdie studie ondersoek ook die invloed van plaaslike reënwater-herwinningstelsels wanneer dit gebruik word in kombinasie met ‘n munisipale waterverspreidingstelsel. Die gevallestudie bestaan uit 410 laekoste behuisingseenhede in die Wes-Kaap. Die stelsel-aanvraagpatrone van laekoste behuisingseenhede is verskillend wanneer dit met voorstedelike stelsel-aanvraagpatrone vergelyk word en kan nie gedefinieer word deur tradisionele modelle nie. Soortgelyk volg die gebruik van reënwater-herwinningstelsels in hierdie areas ‘n onkonvensionele roetine. ‘n Stogastiese eindgebruikmodel vir water-aanvraag is ontwikkel, wat tydelike profiele genereer vir water wat van beide bronne verskaf word, naamlik die waterverspreidingstelsel en die reënwater-herwinningstelsel. Die model bepaal by benadering ‘n daaglikse stelsel- en tenkwater-aanvraagpatroon vir ‘n enkele plaaslike huishouding, deur @RISK sagteware. Die aanvraag-beramingstegnieke word verduidelik deur toepassing op ‘n spesifieke gevallestudie, waar herwinde reënwater gereeld gebruik word. Die parameter waardeberamings is gebaseer op verbruikers-opnames en vorige studies oor die gevallestudie-gebied, waar die grootte van die huishoudings bepaal was in die vorm van 'n waarskynlikheidsverspreiding. Die resultate bevestig die atipiese stesel aanvraagpatrone in laekoste behuisingseenhede eenhede. Alhoewel twee duidelike pieke in die oggend en die aand voorkom, is ‘n relatiewe konstante vloei dwarsdeur die dag teenwoordig. ‘n Sensitiwiteitsanalise van al die modelparameters bevestig dat die grootte van die huishouding die grootste beduidende invloed op tenkwater- aanvraagpatrone het. Die stelsel- en tenkwater-aanvraagpatrone was vergelyk met gepubliseerde gemiddelde daaglikse water-aanvraag riglyne wat bevestig dat meer waterbesparings bereik kan word waar die reënwaterbron binne die huishouding beskikbaar is met minimale moeite. Die stogastiese aanvraagprofiele, wat as deel van hierdie navorsing afgelei was, stem saam met die gemeterde stelsel-aanvraagpatroon van dieselfde area. Die resultate van hierdie studie kan in die toekomstige ontwikkeling van nasionale standaarde opgeneem word.

Cette thèse s'intéresse au développement de stratégies de décalage de charge pouvant être appliquées à un parc de chauffe-eau Joule (CEJ).On propose une modélisation entrée-sortie du système que constitue le CEJ. L'idée est de concevoir un modèle précis et peu coûteux numériquement, qui pourrait être intégré dans un CEJ intelligent. On présente notamment un modèle phénoménologique multi-période d'évolution du profil de température dans le CEJ ainsi qu'un modèle de la demande en eau chaude. On étudie des stratégies d'optimisation pour un parc de CEJ dont la résistance peut être pilotée par un gestionnaire central. Trois cas de figures sont étudiés. Le premier concerne un petit nombre de ballons intelligents et présente une méthode de résolution d'un problème d'optimisation en temps discret. Puis, on s'intéresse à un parc de taille moyenne. Une heuristique gardant indivisibles les périodes de chauffe (pour minimiser les aléas thermo-hydrauliques) est présentée. Enfin, un modèle de comportement d'un nombre infini de ballon est présenté sous la forme d'une équation de Fokker-Planck. / This thesis focuses on the development of advanced strategies for load shifting of large groups of electric hot water tanks (EHWT).The first part of this thesis is dedicated to representing an EHWT as an input-output system. The idea is to design a simple, tractable and relatively accurate model that can be implemented inside a low-power computing unit embedded in a smart EHWT, for practical applications of optimization strategies. It includes in particular a phenomenological multi-period model of the temperature profile in the tank and a realistic domestic hot water consumption model.The second part focuses on the design of optimal control strategies for a group of tanks. Three use-cases are studied. The first one deals with a small number of smart and controllable EHWT for which we propose a discrete-time optimal resolution method. The second use-case adresses a medium-scale group of controllable tanks and proposes a heuristic which keeps the heating period undivided to minimize thermo-hydraulic hazards. Finally, we present the modelling of the behavior of a infinite population of tanks under the form of a Fokker-Planck equation.

This thesis aims to expand knowledge about the management of domestic water consumption. Among the various factors that influence water consumption, price and other economic variables have already been addressed by much research on this topic, obviously because of their implications for demand management. However, other factors such as the dominant urban model, the demographic structure and certain social values may also play a very important mediating role. This thesis aims to explore the factors (demographic, regional, socioeconomic, cultural, etc.) that influence domestic water consumption in two different but complementary scales: a local scale (municipalities in the Girona counties of Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà, Gironès, Pla de l’Estany and Selva) and a household scale (in suburban areas in the municipalities of Blanes, Caldes de Malavella, Lloret de Mar, Maçanet de la Selva, Santa Coloma de Farners, Sils, Tossa de Mar, Vidreres and Vilobí d’Onyar) / La present tesi té com a objectiu principal ampliar els coneixements la gestió de l’aigua per a usos domèstics. Entre els diferents factors que influeixen en el consum d’aigua, els preus i altres variables econòmiques han estat objecte de bona part de les investigacions sobre el tema. No obstant això, altres factors com, per exemple, el model d’ocupació urbana dominant, l’estructura demogràfica o certs valors socials, poden tenir també un rol molt rellevant. En aquesta tesi es proposa aprofundir sobre els factors (demogràfics, territorials, socioeconòmics, culturals, etc.) que incideixen en la demanda d’aigua per a usos domèstics, a dues escales diferents però complementàries: la municipal (municipis de les comarques gironines de l’Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà, Gironès, Pla de l’Estany i La Selva) i la llar (urbanitzacions dels municipis de Blanes, Caldes de Malavella, Lloret de Mar, Maçanet de la Selva, Santa Coloma de Farners, Sils, Tossa de Mar, Vidreres i Vilobí d’Onyar)

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Vattenbesparing och alternativa lösningar för att tillgodose vattenbehovet har blivit mer aktuellt de senaste åren med torka. Regnvatteninsamling för hushållsanvändning används redan på många platser runtom i världen men är begränsad i Sverige idag. Syftet är att dels undersöka en lämplig dimensionering av ett system för regnvatteninsamling för hushåll i Jälåsa och att identifiera olika drivkrafter och hinder. Metoden i denna studie har varit dels massbalans- och effektivitetsberäkningar för att se hur mycket regnvatten som kan samlas in och dels intervjuer med två teknikleverantörer och fem kommuner för att utvärdera den juridiska, sociala och ekonomiska potentialen. Resultatet visade att tankstorlek på mellan 1000 och 4000 liter är rimligt för hushållsanvändning till toalett eller toalett och tvättmaskin och ger en effektivitet (procent av vattenbehovet som täcks av regnvatten) på mellan 83,6 % och 96,0 %. Vilken storlek som är mest lämplig beror på faktorer såsom vad regnvattnet används till, takyta, antal personer i hushållet och om first-flushbortledning används. Beräkningar visar att ungefär 19-29 % av den totala dricksvattenförbrukningen skulle kunna sparas i Järlåsa, vilket motsvarar ungefär 4 400 till 6 700 kubikmeter dricksvatten per år. Resultatet visar även att torrperioder då tanken är tom blir kortare med en större tankstorlek och det finns tydliga skillnader i volym vatten i tanken mellan olika nederbördsrika år. Enligt kommuner ansågs potentialen för regnvatteninsamling vara störst för bevattning i dagsläget men att de även var positivt inställda till annan användning såsom toalettspolning och tvättmaskin. Identifierade hinder var oro kring kontamination av dricksvatten, brist på ekonomisk lönsamhet till följd av låga dricksvattenpriser i Sverige och behov av förtydligande av krav och vilka risker som finns med regnvatteninsamling. Idag är potentialen och motivationen som störst för de som har dålig tillgång på vatten och en ökad miljömässig medvetenhet skulle kunna öka implementeringen av regnvatteninsamling i Sverige. Slutsatsen är att det finns potential för regnvatteninsamling men att det fortfarande krävs viss utveckling och mer kunskap om regnvatteninsamling under svenska förhållanden. / Water saving and alternative solutions to supply drinking water have become more important due to several consecutive droughts in recent years in Sweden. Rainwater harvesting for households is already being used in many places around the world but still has limited application in Sweden. The purpose with this study is to investigate a suitable sizing of a rainwater harvesting system in Järlåsa and to identify drivers and obstacles for implementation. The methods used in this study were firstly calculations based on mass balance and efficiency estimates and secondly interviews with two technology providers and five municipalities. The results showed that a tank size between 1000 and 4000 liters would be suitable for the purpose of supplying water for flushing toilets and for washing machines and the efficiency (percentage of water demand being met by rainwater) would be between 83,6% and 96,0%. What size tank is recommended depends on factors such as what rainwater is used for, roof area, number of people in household and whether first-flush is diverted. Results show that around 19-29%, around 4 400 to 6 700 cubic meters per year, of the total potable water consumption could be saved in Järlåsa every year using rainwater harvesting. The results also show that the dry periods, when the tank was empty, become shorter with a larger tank size and that there are distinct differences in the volume rainwater in the tank between years with varying precipitation. According to municipalities the potential was highest for irrigation purposes today but there was also potential for use in household for flushing toilets and supplying washing machines. The identified obstacles were concern regarding contamination of the drinking water supply, lack of economic profitability as a consequence of low water prices and the need for clarification of requirements and risks with rainwater harvesting. Today the potential and motivation is highest for those with an insufficient water supply and an increase in the environmental awareness could possibly enhance implementation further. The conclusion is that there is potential for rainwater harvesting but that there still is a need for some development and more knowledge regarding rainwater harvesting under Swedish conditions.

The aim of the thesis is to model energetic needs for heating and temperatures progress in the building with almost zero energy consumption. The part of the work is the economical and energetic comparison. Proposed systems are based on a knowledge of active houses.

From the Proceedings of the 1978 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 14-15, 1978, Flagstaff, Arizona / Intensive strip and leach mining activity within a confined region usually causes environmental impacts both on the land and on water quality. Adverse water quality effects could be realized long after any mining activity has ceased due to the continuous leaching by precipitation of contaminants from spoils piles and leach dumps. The Miami, Arizona region is unique in its surface and subsurface hydrology. Two unconnected aquifers underlay the region with both serving as domestic (private and municipal) and industrial (mining) supply sources. The shallow floodplain alluvial aquifer is hydraulically connected to surface drainage from mine tailings and leach dumps. Several wells drawing from this aquifer have been abandoned as a municipal supply source due to severe water quality degradation. Water quality in these wells varies directly with precipitation indicating a correlation between surface drainage over and through tailings and leach piles. Expansion of spoils dumps into natural recharge pathways of the deeper Gila Conglomerate aquifer has raised concern that this aquifer may also be subjected to a long term influx of mine pollutants. Questions have also been raised concerning the potential effects of a proposed in situ leaching operation on the water quality of the conglomerate aquifer.

MPH / Department of Public Health