Sustainable Water Management for Urban Growth: River Water Quality Assessment for Construction in Addis Ababa
Abstract
Tilahun Derib Asfaw* and Aklesia Dereje Negash
Addis Ababa faces severe water shortages, exacerbated by increasing urbanization and the growth of the construction sector. The city’s water supply coverage is approximately 54%; moreover, the construction sector also uses the piped water supply. This research investigated the technical feasibility of using water from four rivers as an alternative water source for construction. Water samples were analysed in the laboratory for pH, total solids, and chemical composition, and their impact on the construction industry was assessed according to ASTM and ACI standards. The result of Water Quality Index (WQI) showed that the values vary between 15.5 and 41.6. The results revealed that the river water samples met the permissible standards for construction. The Bulbula sample had the highest compressive strength, while the Betel sample showed high levels of nitrate and acidity. The result emphasized the potential of Addis Ababa’s rivers to improve the city’s water supply challenges by offering construction demands. However, ongoing surveillance and potential treatment of river water are recommended, particularly for large-scale projects where long-term viability is essential. The research highlighted the need for sustainable water resource management strategies to reconcile urban growth with ecological preservation.