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Description
Freshwater scarcity is a pressing global issue, and higher education institutions contribute significantly to water demand through students’ daily activities. However, little is known about how residential settings influence individual water use. This study investigated the water footprint of students residing in on-campus halls and private off-campus hostels at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Understanding these patterns is important for sustainable management strategies that support water conservation. Data was obtained from 628 students using structured questionnaires, and water footprints were estimated with a water footprint web-based calculator. Descriptive statistics, One-way ANOVA, student t- tests and Pearson correlation analyses were used to evaluate variations in water use and the role of socio-economic factors. Results showed that on-campus students had significantly higher average annual per capita water footprints (2,786.92 m³) compared to off-campus students (1,837.09 m³), with significant variations across different on campus halls and off-campus private hostels. While socio-economic factors such as age, income, and source of financing showed no significant relationships with water use, gender demonstrated a modest influence (p=0.001), with females recording slightly higher water footprints. The type of showerhead used did not significantly affect consumption. These findings indicate that residential type and behavioural patterns, rather than socio-economic status, are the key determinants of student water use. This proves that infrastructure design and communal access strongly shape water consumption, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns, water conservation education, and water-efficient technologies within university settings. This research supports sustainable water planning at KNUST and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 6, promoting responsible consumption and efficient water resource management in higher education institutions.
Keywords: Sustainable water management; SDG 6; Water access; Water-use efficiency; water