Abstract
Knowing water consumption patterns in buildings is key information for water planning. This article aims to characterize the water consumption pattern and water end-uses in low-income houses in the region of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. Data were collected by interviewing householders, as well as by measuring the flow rate of existing water fixtures and appliances. The results indicated that the shower was the fixture with the largest water consumption in households, i.e., about 30%–36% of total water consumption on average, followed by the toilet (18%–20%). The surveyed households consumed from 111 to 152 L/capita·day on average, based on different income ranges. No correlation was found between income and water consumption. The results of this study can be used to estimate the consumption of water for new buildings, as well as to develop integrated water management strategies in low-income developments, in Florianópolis, such as water-saving plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater reuse. Likely, there would be a deferral of capital investments in new water assets for enhancing water and wastewater services by saving water in low-income houses.
Highlights
Developing efficient strategies to reduce water consumption is linked to the characterization of water end-uses
The water end-uses are useful in order to evaluate actions to reduce water demand and waste generated in households, as well as possible alternative sources of water
The results suggested that, with 95% confidence, water users named as high consumers use less volume of water than middle and low consumers
Summary
Developing efficient strategies to reduce water consumption is linked to the characterization of water end-uses. From this knowledge it is possible to evaluate the main devices responsible for water use and prioritize the development of technologies to generate more effective water savings [1]. The water end-uses are useful in order to evaluate actions to reduce water demand and waste generated in households, as well as possible alternative sources of water. They are essential to identify the portion of total demand that can be saved through alternative sources of water [2,3]. By knowing the factors that influence the demand for water in communities of social interest, their perception about the water situation and the need to use it consciously, one can establish strategies for implementing rational use of water for this part of the population [5]
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