Assessment of Rainwater Harvesting Potential for Construction Water Supply in Arid Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Water scarcity poses a significant constraint on construction activity in arid and semi-arid regions of Northern Nigeria. This paper assesses the potential of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems as an alternative construction water supply in Katsina, Yobe, and Borno States. Monthly rainfall data from 2000–2023 were analysed alongside construction water demand surveys from 35 active building sites. RWH modelling indicates that a 200 m² catchment area with adequate storage capacity can meet 60–75% of non-potable water demand on a typical residential construction site during the wet season. The study provides design guidelines for site-specific RWH systems and recommends their inclusion in contractor environmental management plans for projects in water-scarce Northern Nigerian states.