WATER MANGEMENT IN SOCIAL HOUSING, STRETEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE USE

Abstract

Water is considered as a finite resource, in this context, studies suggest that by 2050, one in four people in the world will be affected by problems related to water service. In Ecuador, there is an alarming problem concerning the lack of awareness in the efficient use of water, since the daily consumption of liters per capita is 237 liters, which doubles the consumption recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and 40% higher than the regional average. The Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 11 aim to achieve universal and equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services by 2030. This research aims to propose sustainable strategies to optimize the use of water in single-family homes of social interest based on the results of the Ciudad Victoria, Loja-Ecuador housing complex. It was developed in four phases: climate data collection, satisfaction and demand surveys, housing characterization, data tabulation to propose strategies validated in water demand scenarios using CYPECAD MEP software. Data are obtained on the consumption of water used for household chores and 310-liter sanitary appliances, exceeding the 100-liter recommendation stated by the WHO. In this study, the data was alarming as households experience water supply interruptions throughout the year, and they lack reserve systems. Implemented strategies enabled a reduction in water consumption of between 30% and 50% per household.