Estimating the Determinants of Residential Water Demand in Italy

Giulia Romano,Andrea Guerrini,Nicola Salvati

doi:10.3390/w6102929

Giulia Romano, Andrea Guerrini + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/w6102929

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Journal: Water	Publication Date: Sep 30, 2014
Citations: 113	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Pisa, University of Verona

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the determinants of residential water demand for chief towns of every Italian province, in the period 2007–2009, using the linear mixed-effects model estimated with the restricted-maximum-likelihood method. Results confirmed that the applied tariff had a negative effect on residential water consumption and that it was a relevant driver of domestic water consumption. Moreover, income per capita had a positive effect on water consumption. Among measured climatic and geographical features, precipitation and altitude exerted a strongly significant negative effect on water consumption, while temperature did not influence water demand. Further, data show that small towns in terms of population served were characterized by lower levels of consumption. Water utilities ownership itself did not have a significant effect on water consumption but tariffs were significantly lower and residential water consumption was higher in towns where the water service was managed by publicly owned water utilities. However, further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the connection between ownership of water utilities and water prices and water consumption.

Highlights

Even if most Europeans have historically been shielded from the social, economic, and environmental effects of severe water shortages, the gap between demand and availability of water resources is reaching critical levels in many parts of Europe [1]
Significantly affected CONSUMPTION, that is, residential water consumption was significantly higher in towns where the water service was managed by publicly owned water utilities
By using the linear mixed-effects model estimated with the restricted-maximum-likelihood method, we investigated the determinants of residential water demand for chief towns of every Italian province in the period 2007–2009

Summary

Introduction

Even if most Europeans have historically been shielded from the social, economic, and environmental effects of severe water shortages, the gap between demand and availability of water resources is reaching critical levels in many parts of Europe [1]. Much of Europe will increasingly face reduced water availability during the summer months, and the frequency and intensity of drought is projected to increase— in the southern European and Mediterranean countries [2]. Domestic water-demand management may help to reduce water shortages, and lessen the growing pressure on the environment. It may reduce the necessity for the construction of major infrastructure, reducing the need for new investments, and decreasing costs [5]. For this reason, a deep knowledge of the behavior of household users in relation to water consumption is crucial for policy makers and water utilities managers

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