Water Consumption Behavior Research Articles

Sustainable Behavior of Generation Z Tourists’ Water Consumption

Tourism is one of the sectors with the highest demand for fresh water. Indicators suggest that water consumption by tourists is more than double that of residents. This phenomenon can be explained by tourists’ interest in engaging in unique experiences, which frequently entails putting sustainable practices aside. To mitigate the environmental impact of tourism and promote sustainable practices, the state of Quintana Roo has implemented the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2030, linking the government and companies to reduce environmental impacts by reducing tourists’ water consumption. Despite these efforts, the use of fresh water by tourists continues to be more than double that of residents. Consequently, tourists’ sustainable behavior is not significantly influenced by external factors, such as awareness campaigns, but depends more on the personal aspects of each individual. Generation Z stands out for being more aware of environmental problems and showing a willingness to modify their behavior towards more sustainable practices. The objective of this study was to explain the factors that influence the sustainable behavior related to water consumption among Generation Z tourists. The methodology employed was cross-sectional, with a quantitative approach, focused on attitude variables, subjective norms, and perceived control as determinants of sustainable behavior. This research is also considered nonexperimental, as there was no direct intervention with the subjects of the study, A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was used to collect data directly from Generation Z tourists in the state of Quintana Roo, specifically from the destinations of Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Bacalar, and Cancún. These locations were selected due to their prominence as major tourist attractions within the data collection areas, without further differentiation or classification. Data were collected through a face-to-face survey conducted over a period of two months, with a total of 408 respondents participating, of whom 57.8% were male. The results revealed that subjective norms and perceived control influence sustainable water consumption behavior, while attitudes do not have a direct impact. These findings will provide governments and businesses with a basis to design more effective strategies that encourage sustainable behavior among Gen Z tourists, thus offering a starting point for understanding the behavior of other generations.

Tapping Into Awareness: Assessing Nursing Students' Water Consumption Behaviors and Sustainability Perceptions Through a Cross-Sectional Study With Machine Learning Approach.

Investigating water consumption behaviors and perceptions of water sustainability among nursing students is crucial for effective resource management. This study employs machine learning (ML) techniques to analyze these factors in detail. This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 182 senior nursing students from an accredited faculty in Istanbul, Turkey, during the 2023-2024 academic year. Data were collected through an online survey, including an information form, a visual analog scale toward foresight about water scarcity (VAS), and a water consumption behavior scale. Advanced ML techniques were utilized to identify intricate patterns and correlations in the students' behaviors and perceptions. The survey revealed that nursing students primarily rely on packaged water and perceive an imminent threat of water scarcity, though they exhibit limited awareness of their personal water footprint. High VAS scores indicated a strong awareness of global water crises but skepticism about local water scarcity. The ML model identified "Domestic Water Use Efficiency" as the primary factor influencing attitudes toward water sustainability, with "Water Awareness" and "Sustainable Water Ethics" also playing significant roles. The study highlights the need to integrate sustainable water management education into nursing curricula and demonstrates nursing students' awareness and preparedness for sustainable practices.

Understanding consumption and purchase of tap water and diverse tap-alternative drinking water sources in Detroit, Michigan

ABSTRACT Several gaps remain in understanding individuals' water consumption reliance outcomes in disadvantaged communities. We utilize a cross-sectional sample of household-level survey data from predominantly low-income, minoritized households in Detroit, MI, to examine the relationship between tap and tap-alternative drinking water consumption and purchase behavior. We collected survey data from one English-speaking adult per household in May–October 2021 (n = 259). Consistent with past studies, tap water consumption is negatively correlated with single-use bottled water consumption and consuming drinking water from multiple sources. We also find tap distrust is correlated with tap-alternative water consumption, yet there is a surprising positive relationship between tap and overall bottled water consumption levels. Very low-income households were more likely to rely on bottled water and multiple other water sources simultaneously. Female respondents reported lower levels of most types of water consumption. Black respondents reported lower tap water and bottled water consumption but had higher levels of other tap-alternative source consumption. Our results call into question whether higher tap water consumption is synonymous with tap trust or with reduced bottled water consumption. Public health interventions must further address high levels of bottled water consumption among low-income individuals, and low tap water consumption among Black individuals.

Assessment of Water Consumption Behavior in Single Households Using Smart Water Meters

Smart meters monitor hourly water consumption patterns while reducing the cost and inconvenience of traditional meters. This study comprehensively analyzes 1871 households that previously used traditional meters from the distribution point to the distribution area. All the households were equipped with smart meters and the data collected were used for analysis. On the basis of the total estimated water consumption, 227 households were classified as single households. These households were further classified into single-worker and -nonworker households. This study analyzed smart meter data to evaluate the timings and amounts of water consumption peaks. The results indicate that worker households peaked at 8:00, with 29 L/h of consumption on weekdays, and peaked again on evenings at 20:00–21:00, averaging 32 L/h. For nonworker households, the peak occurred at 9:00, with 20 L/h, with no major changes in the afternoon, and a second peak occurred at 19:00–20:00 in evening, with an average of 19 L/h. Moreover, worker households peaked at 8:00 and 20:00 on weekdays, and at 9:00 and 19:00 on weekends. It was revealed that worker households consume 10% more on weekends than on weekdays, and 262% more from 13:00 to 16:00. These findings may assist in water supply planning by supporting distribution schedules on the basis of peak household consumption, leading to more helpful resource management.

Place attachment, spirituality and residential water conservation behaviour in Australia’s Northern Territory: application of an extended protection motivation theory

ABSTRACT Despite warnings of impending water scarcity concerns, most residents persistently engage in excessive water consumption behaviours, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This has spurred interest in understanding why water demand management strategies fail to foster voluntary residential conservation behaviours. Recent literature indicates a lack of consideration of cultural factors that may influence residential water conservation. Thus, this study draws on and extends the protection motivation theory with place attachment and spirituality to examine how cultural and psychological factors influence residential water conservation intention and behaviour. Analysing 346 survey responses, the study reveals that place attachment amplifies vulnerability and severity perceptions regarding water scarcity concerns and significantly drives perceptions of self and response efficacies for water conservation intention and behaviour. In particular, the study reveals that as a resident’s spirituality increases, the intention for water conservation behaviour reduces. The study highlights theoretical and practical implications for scholars and policymakers.

Mediating role of specific environmental beliefs in the relationship between general beliefs and water consumption

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of general environmental beliefs (GEB) on water consumption behaviour (WCB) and the mediating role of specific environmental beliefs (SEB) in Kuala Lumpur. By administering 1584 surveys via a 5‐point Likert scale questionnaire, the study analyses the influence of utilitarian beliefs (UB) and ecological beliefs (EB) at both the Kuala Lumpur and district levels. The results demonstrate that EB significantly mediates the relationship between GEB and WCB, while UB also plays a significant mediating role. The study highlights practical measures for environmental preservation, such as prioritizing utilitarianism for environmentally beneficial choices, afforestation, waste reduction, reusability and recycling of production materials and ensuring ecological system compatibility for waste disposal.

Assessing and Modelling Domestic Water Consumption Behavior

Assessing and Modelling Domestic Water Consumption Behavior

Why do people save water? A systematic review of household water consumption behaviour in times of water availability uncertainty

ABSTRACT Continued global warming is projected to increase the severity of droughts, and, as water scarcity intensifies in different regions, water demand-side management (DSM) has emerged as an important topic. In this study, we present an overview of recent research on the factors that influence water consumption behaviour, considering the scenario of global water availability changes. To do so, we reviewed 55 articles, published from 2010 to 2022, that focused on water consumption behaviour in a drought context. In the reviewed articles, we identified six factors that are most frequently addressed in the literature: psychological factors, water-saving technologies, awareness, water availability context, socioeconomic/demographic characteristics, and governmental policies. Based on the analysis of the findings in the literature regarding these factors, we developed an integrated framework that clarifies how they are interconnected and influence household water consumption.

Analysis of differences in early detection of chronic kidney disease with urine creatinine, proteins and individual health status based on behavioural, stress and genetic factors in Kendari City, Indonesia

Background:Early detection of chronic kidney disease needs to be developed because the prevalence of chronic kidney disease continues to increase in Kendari City, Indonesia. Objective:The study aimed to analyse of differences in early detection of chronic kidney disease with urine proteins, creatinine, and individual health status based on behaviours, psychological-stress environment and genetic factors in Kendari City, Indonesia. Methods:This research used quantitative method with a cross sectional study approach. This study was conducted in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, which recruited 136 subjects aged between 24-70 years. The participants were interviewed and tested urine. The dependent variables are protein-urine, creatinine, and health status. The independent variables are behaviours, psychological environment-stress and genetics. Data analysis used multinomial logistic regression statistical tests. Results: This study suggests that there are differences between tests for urine protein levels, creatinine and individual health status for early detection of chronic kidney disease which is associated with behaviours, psychological-stress environment and genetic factors in Kendari City. Protein-urine can be used early detection of chronic kidney disease which is related to daily water consumption (p=0.001, OR=1.56), calory intake (p=0.036, OR=2.13) and psychological stress environment (p=0.017, OR=0.11). However, urine creatine test cannot be use for early detection of chronic kidney disease. Meanwhile, individual’s health status can be used to early detection of chronic kidney disease with relating to daily water consumption behaviour of less than 1000 ml a day (p<0.0001, OR=1.56), physical activity (p<0.05, OR=5.7), medication adherence (P<0.01, OR=0.4), and psychological stress environment (p<0.0001, OR=8.6). Conclusion: Early detection of chronic kidney disease may be more effective by observing health status directly, or by urine protein testing, compared to urine creatinine testing. Keywords:Chronic kidney disease, behaviour, genetic, stress, proteins.

Investigating the Behavior and Pattern of Optimal Water Consumption in Continuous Water Distribution Networks

Due to the complexity of water distribution systems and the large scale of decision-making in their analysis, design, operation and maintenance, the need to use optimization methods in upgrading and calibrating the model has become more important than in the past. The most important issue in the simulation modeling of these systems is the consistency between the calculated and measured data. The review of records showed that in the absence of the results of unaccounted water studies in the network, the use of recommended and empirical statistical methods is still needed as one of the main elements in model calibration. The current research was carried out with the aim of improving calibration methods, investigating the effects of different patterns of unaccounted water based on the calculated water consumption pattern and determining the optimal pattern of unaccounted water within the scope of the water distribution network covered by the number of 6 ground reservoirs. Due to the fact that the exact determination of unaccounted water was not available, and on the other hand, the model calibration was affected by the amount and behavior of unaccounted water, so the difference in water production and all measured uses was considered as unaccounted water and its different behaviors in the network, it was investigated according to the behavior (pattern) of water consumption. 3 different hypotheses were evaluated based on the behavior of the network (reservoir output flow rate in the hydraulic model) with the actual behavior of the reservoir output (according to the data and statistics of the tank output meter). The comparison of three statistical and graphic parameters of pressure distribution showed that the use of the inverse model option of the customers' consumption was not considered as a water model, for calibrating the hydraulic model of the distribution network, more acceptable limits for the closeness of the predicted values to the recorded values of the hourly output reservoirs provided. The confirmation of the hypothesis of the model according to consumption as the pattern of unaccounted water for the studied network indicated that the amount of unaccounted water (unlicensed and unregistered consumers) changed along with the amount of consumption. The present research-applied method in obtaining the results can be a very effective help in designing and optimizing distribution networks for urban water and sewage management organizations (especially in big cities).

Domestic Water Consumption Behaviour Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic in Karang Pawitan District

Corona virus was out breaking globally in 2020. It leads governments to impose a lockdown that restricted people contact outside their home, so everyone works, study and more activity at home. It may increase in spending food and freshwater. Lockdown has been made significant changes in behaviour and attitudes of domestic water consumption. The main objective of this research is to identify the impact of COVID-19 lockdown and health protocol on domestic water consumption behaviour during pandemic by comparing it before pandemic. The research conducted by survey, interview and statistical analysis. Survey done by asks online questionnaire that consist a set questions of water consumption behaviour. Data are analysed by using likert scale. The behaviour of water consumption will be described by performance level and importance level. The results of the Likert scale analysis are plotted in a Cartesian Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) diagram. Research shows that respondents consume water efficiently in many domestic activities. The average score of the performance level is greater than the importance level, both in pre and during the pandemic. Respondents consume water more often during this pandemic than before, such as 2.76 for performance level during pandemic and 2.59 for performance level before pandemic.

Changing patterns of household water consumption and conservation behaviour in Bangladesh: an exploration in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Changing patterns of household water consumption and conservation behaviour in Bangladesh: an exploration in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Household Sustainability During COVID-19: Investigating Shifts in Food, Water and Energy Consumption Behaviours in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This comprehensive study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pro-environmental behaviours within Nigerian households. It extensively reviews literature exploring various models and theories, including Chernovich’s model and the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), to understand the intricate factors influencing household eco-friendly conduct. Employing a correlational study design, the research utilized both probability and non probability sampling techniques to gather data through self-administered questionnaires from households in Yenagoa city, Nigeria. Findings revealed a significant increase in pro-environmental behaviors during the pandemic-induced lock down. Statistical analysis highlighted a notable rise in actions such as conserving energy, minimizing water usage, and reducing food waste. The study observed heightened household efforts in shutting off electrical appliances, adopting water-saving measures, and practicing better food management during the lock down period. Analysis of Household Conservative Behaviors (HCB) before and during the lock down showed a marked increase in eco-friendly actions, signifying the pandemic’s positive influence on environmental consciousness. Recommendations stemming from this research include advocating for awareness campaigns, financial incentives, community engagement, educational integration, policy advocacy, and continuous research to sustain and enhance pro-environmental behaviors. The study underscores the importance of crisis-preparedness strategies integrating sustainability considerations and tailoring interventions to diverse cultural contexts. These efforts aim to foster a culture of sustainability, promote awareness, and encourage proactive engagement in eco-friendly practices among Nigerian households, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and in everyday life.

Changing patterns of household water consumption and conservation behaviour in Bangladesh: an exploration in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Changing patterns of household water consumption and conservation behaviour in Bangladesh: an exploration in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Striving for Sustainability: A Study of Water Consumption Behavior of Households in Lahore Division

Amid the escalating global water scarcity concerns, exacerbated by increasing demand characterized by unsustainable water consumption practices, this study addresses the imperative need to identify the factors that promotes the sustainable water consumption behavior among households. Our research builds upon the theoretical premises of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), proposing a unique model that incorporates consumers’ water-saving preferences as a moderating factor to address the intention-behavior gap. In order to accomplish the proposed study objective, we approached 1552 households living in the residential premises of Lahore Division. We applied Partial Least Square – Structural Equational Modelling (PLS-SEM) to empirically analyze the results. Our research reveals that consumer’s sustainable water consumption intention and water saving preferences are important factors that promotes the sustainable water consumption behavior among the households. Moreover, the study unveils the moderating role of these preferences in reinforcing the relationship between intention and behavior, effectively bridging the intention-behavior gap. Additionally, our research identifies the indirect influence of consumers’ water-saving attitudes and perceived behavioral control on shaping sustainable water consumption behavior. Importantly, the study demonstrates a substantial improvement in the predictive accuracy of TPB with the inclusion of water-saving preferences as a moderating factor. These insights hold significant implications for devising interventions to promote sustainable water consumption behavior among households.

Investigation of Water Consumption Behaviors and Affecting Factors of Adults in Manisa

Bu çalışma, Manisa’daki yetişkinlerin su tüketim davranışlarını ve etkileyen faktörleri belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Kesitsel tipteki çalışma, Manisa il merkezindeki halk eğitim merkezlerinde eğitim alan 18 yaş üstü bireylerle (n = 494) 2019 yılında yürütülmüştür. Veriler, “Tanıtıcı özellikler formu” ve “Su Tüketim Davranışları Ölçeği” ile toplanmıştır. Katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 35,03 ± 11,27 yıldır. Katılımcılar, ölçek toplamından ortalama 58,72 ± 10,07 puan almışlardır. Kadınlar, 35 yaş üstü olanlar, evliler, lise ve altı öğrenim düzeyine sahip olanlar, su tasarrufuna her zaman/çoğunlukla dikkat edenler, su tasarrufu yapmanın çok önemli olduğunu belirtenler, ülkemizde gelecekte su kıtlığı ve su stresi yaşanmayacağını düşünenler bazı alt boyut ve ölçek toplamından anlamlı olarak daha yüksek puan almışlardır (p < 0,05). Bunun yanı sıra gelirinin giderinden çok olduğunu belirtenlerin, ülkemizde şu anda su kıtlığı ve su stresi yaşanıp yaşanmadığı ve ülkemizin su varlığı sınıflamasına göre durumu hakkında fikri olmayanların bazı alt boyut puanları ve ölçek toplam puanlarının daha düşük olduğu saptanmıştır (p < 0,05). Yetişkin bireylerin su tüketim davranışlarını etkileyen etmenler göz önüne alınarak farkındalık arttırıcı eğitim ve araştırma girişimlerinin planlanması önerilebilir.

Early Detection Patterns Of Chronic Kidney Disease Based On Differences In Individual Health Status In Kendari City

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was small but it continued to increase every year in Kendari City. The patients were difficult to monitor. The aim of this research is to formulate an early detection pattern for CKD based on differences in individual health status in Kendari City. Methods: This quantitative research used a cross sectional study design which was conducted at 4 Community Health Centers and 3 Hospitals in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recruited 136 respondents aged between 24-70 years. Data collection by interviews with questionnaires. The dependent variable is health status, and the independent variables include behavior, psychological environment, stress and genetics. Data analysis used chi square statistical tests, crosstabulation and multinomial logistic regression. Results: There is a significant difference in drinking water consumption behavior of less than 1000 ml a day (p<0.0001, OR=1.56, B=-20.276), calorie intake of less than 1534 calories a day (p<0.05, OR=2.13, B=-19.969 ), physical activity (p<0.05, OR=5.7, B=1.735), medication adherence (P<0.01, OR=0.4,B=1.999) and psychological stress environment (p<0.0001,OR=8.6, B=2.151 ) with the respondent's health status. Meanwhile, herbal consumption behavior (p=0.195) and genetic factors (p=0.813) did not show significant differences with individual health status. Conclusion: Early detection patterns for CKD can use the variable such as less drinking water consumption in healthy people and no obedient medication in single disease group. Using variables of less daily drinking water consumption and heavy physical activity in multiple diseases group, and less drinking water consumption, less physical activity, and moderate stress in CKD group.

Design and Development of a Mobile-Based Water Reminder Application on the iOS Platform

Lifestyle encompasses the various ways in which individuals, groups, and nations are influenced by geography, economy, politics, history, culture, and religion. It reflects the characteristics of residents, including their daily behaviors in work, activities, and health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being, and one key aspect is ensuring an adequate intake of water. Water constitutes the primary component of the human body, comprising an average of 70-80 percent of an individual's body weight. Factors influencing water consumption behavior include knowledge and preferences for other beverages. To address the challenge of promoting water consumption and advocating for its importance, this study proposes the development of a mobile application system capable of reminding individuals to drink water based on personalized needs, considering factors such as gender, age, weight, height, and activity level. The research aims to leverage and advance existing technology, specifically by creating a mobile application on the iOS platform. The objective is to enhance and reinforce individuals' discipline in maintaining proper water intake. Targeting users from middle-class to affluent social conditions, the application is tailored for the iOS platform. The study involves testing the functionality of the water reminder system software developed for mobile devices running on the iOS platform. The ultimate goal is to create an information system that not only exhibits maximum aesthetics and functionality but also adheres to the principles of interface design, including the application of the eight golden rules.

Barriers and Motivators of Household Water-Conservation Behavior: A Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review

Water scarcity, aggravated by growing demands, represents a significant challenge for humanity. Promoting household sustainable water-consumption behaviors has become vital. The Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) framework stands out among many strategies to promote water conservation. However, many interventions in this domain often neglect significant theoretical insights, leading to gaps in addressing key social and contextual drivers of behavior. This study conducts a systematic and bibliometric literature review aimed at identifying determinants underlying household water-conservation behaviors. This review encompasses 155 papers published from 1984 to early 2023. Our findings show that this is a highly multidisciplinary field of study with a marked increase in research attention discerned post-2010, particularly from water-stressed regions. Furthermore, our findings also reveal an often-overlooked integration of guiding theories and an over-reliance on self-reported measures in prior research. Factors such as attitude, perceived efficacy, emotions, and habits emerge as pivotal in understanding water conservation. However, while attitudes have been extensively analyzed in previous research, the other factors deserve greater attention from researchers. Inconsistencies in demographic predictors further hint at potential moderating roles. This paper offers valuable insights for designing effective household water-conservation interventions through a social marketing lens.

A study on urban household water consumption behavior under drought conditions

The increasing frequency of drought events has intensified the risk of water scarcity, posing significant challenges for urban domestic water supply. Reducing urban household water consumption is an important way to alleviate water stress during drought periods. However, due to various factors, it is difficult to determine a water-saving target that is within the residents' capacity. Here, taking Beijing, China as an example, we explored the socio-psychological factors behind urban household water use behaviors under drought conditions, and further quantified the compressible ratio of water quotas for flexible water use behaviors. Therefore, the present study was based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and extended TPB (ETPB) by adding drought risk perception as a variable to the theoretical framework. With the help of questionnaire method and structural equation modeling (SEM), the explanatory power of TPB and ETPB in predicting people's water saving intention and behavior was compared. Meanwhile, mathematical statistical analysis methods were employed to calculate the water quota for elastic water consumption behavior and the compressible proportion of urban residents' elastic water consumption under drought conditions. The results showed that drought risk perception has a significant positive correlation with subject norms and water reduction behavior under drought conditions. Furthermore, ETPB was more effective in analyzing water use intentions and behaviors. The predictive explanatory power of SEM for reducing water use increased from 44% to 50% after adding drought risk perception variable. In terms of quantification of elastic water use behavior, the average total water consumption in summer and winter were 71.3L/(p.d) and 52.9L/(p.d) under drought conditions, while it were 124.3 L/(p.d) and 108.9 L/(p.d) under normal conditions. And the compressible proportions of the total water quota for summer and winter elastic water use were 46.7% and 56.8%, respectively. The calculation results can provide a reference for the government to make emergency water supply decisions against drought.