An overview of people's behavior towards water saving policies at Abu Dhabi Emirate

Abstract

UAE is characterized by high level of domestic water use. The average resident of Abu Dhabi consumed about 629 L/day of water in 2015. Therefore, reducing water consumption from residential sector is greatly essential. However, it is more essential to identify the best policy to fit Abu Dhabi residents' behavior. This study compares between different environmental policies used worldwide to lower water consumption. The study is based on a survey directed to the residents of Abu Dhabi emirate. The survey is designed to show the major water consumption habits of Abu Dhabi residents, their reaction to fluctuations in water prices, their environmental awareness with respect to water consumption and finally, their “willing to pay” for water efficient fixtures and appliances. The results of this study came to support the expectation that one policy is not enough to make people save water. The majority of respondents (97%) agreed that water is precious and it should be conserved but the attitude towards the best policy to make that happen was different. Nearly 45% of respondents stated that they will lower their water consumption in response to higher water tariffs or if effluent tax was imposed. On the other hand, nearly half of respondents felt that they have enough awareness with respect to water conservation and its impact on social, economic and environmental aspects while most of the respondents agreed that education and media sectors are mainly responsible for raising the public's environmental awareness.