Assessment of domestic consumption in intermittent water supply networks: case study of Puerto Ayora (Galápagos Islands)

Abstract

Intermittent water distribution systems are a stark reality in developing countries. Puerto Ayora, the centre of tourism of the Galapagos Archipelago, is not an exception, with its population and tourists suffering from scarce water resources. However, the extreme per capita consumptions, well above those in 24/7 supply situations in many other countries, contradict the (sense of) scarcity. In this study, 18 water meters were installed and a water-appliance diary was carried out in 15 randomly selected households in Puerto Ayora. The aim was to determine and analyse domestic water consumption, as well as the diurnal patterns, also by verifying per capita figures ranging from 40 to 380 litres per capita per day from a previous study. Also, the aim was to find a correlation between the consumption and schedules of distribution conducted by the municipality. The paper also elaborates on typical household appliances used, and gives an insight about a wide range of domestic demands in a predominantly water-scarce area. The conclusions indicate no influence of the specific intermittency patterns to the specific demand, but rather a wide range of different lifestyles, the possible presence of informal accommodations and excessive wastage.