Understanding the determinants influencing residential water consumption at the household level in Indian urban context

Abstract

: The study aims to highlight the importance of determinants influencing residential water consumption at the household level and an attempt exploring literature gap regarding investigation of determinants of residential water consumption in Indian cities. High water consumption in residential areas of Indian cities needs attention of planners, policy makers, local government and users. Typically, water supply in Indian cities is available on flat rate basis. Water sources within cities are not enough to fulfill city’s existing and future water demand. As a result, far away water sources are identified and long distances are covered by pipes to cater the needs. The resultant is excessive use of energy and funds. Fluctuation in supply hours and tariff on flat rate basis, sometime leads to ignorance and overexploitation of water. To reduce water wastage at household level determinants of water consumption should be identified. There is urgent need to explore an approach to identify determinants influencing residential water consumption. At the local level, this can be more effective to formulate strategies to mitigate excessive water consumption. More importantly, there is need to explore residential water consumption with piped water supply in Indian cities. This paper is a part of research carried to develop methodology to investigate influential determinants influencing residential water consumption in Indian cities.