An exploration into the household pipe-borne water consumption: empirical evidence from Sri Lankan household surveys

Abstract

This paper analyses determinants of households' pipe-borne water consumption in Sri Lanka using data covering the period 1990 to 2013. Employing a two-part estimation model, the study finds that household income, household size, level of education of the household head and age of the household head are positively associated with the likelihood of consuming pipe-borne water and monthly consumption expenditures on pipe-borne water. Moreover, households' demand for pipe-borne water has significantly increased over the years. Therefore, expansion of the pipe-borne water supply network along with demand management strategies would be beneficial to cater the growing demand for pipe-borne water.