The impact of large temporary rate changes on residential water use

Abstract In this study, panel linear models were used to develop an empirical relationship between metered household water use and the independent variables plot size and theoretical irrigation requirement. The estimated statistical model provides a means of estimating the climate-sensitive component of residential water use. Ensemble averages of temperature and rainfall projections were used to quantify potential changes in water use due to climate change by 2050. Annual water use per household was estimated to increase by approximately 1.5% under the low emissions scenario or 2.3% under the high emissions scenario. The model results provide information that can enhance water conservation initiatives relating particularly to outdoor water use. The model approach presented utilizes data that are readily available to water supply utilities and can therefore be easily replicated elsewhere.

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Advances in the Economic Analysis of Residential Water Use: An Introduction

Water ◽

10.3390/w10091162 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1162 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Arnaud Reynaud ◽

Giulia Romano

Keyword(s):

Water Use ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Water Demand ◽

Water Price ◽

Special Issue ◽

Residential Water Demand ◽

Residential Water Use ◽

Household Water ◽

The Impact ◽

Residential Water

The aim of this Special Issue is to gather evidence on the impact of price policies (PP) and non-price policies (NPP) in shaping residential water use in a context of increased water scarcity. Indeed, a large body of the empirical economic literature on residential water demand has been devoted to measuring the impact of PP (water price increases, use of block rate pricing or peak pricing, etc.). The consensus is that the residential water demand is inelastic with respect to water price, but not perfectly. Given the low water price elasticity, pricing schemes may not always be effective tools for modifying household water behaviors. This is puzzling since increasing the water price is still viewed by public authorities as the most direct economic tool for inducing water conservation behaviors. Additional evidence regarding the use of PP in shaping residential water use is then required. More recently, it has been argued that residential consumers may react to NPP, such as water conservation programs, education campaigns, or smart metering. NPP are based on the idea that residential water users can implement strategies that will result in water savings via changing their individual behaviors. Feedback information based on smart water metering is an example of approach used by some water utilities. There are still large gaps in the knowledge on the residential water demand, and in particular on the impact of PP and NPP on residential water use, household water affordability and water service performance. These topics are addressed in this Special Issue “Advances in the Economic Analysis of Residential Water Use”.

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Assessing the impact of property size on residential water use for selected neighbourhoods in Lilongwe, Malawi

Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development ◽

10.2166/washdev.2016.014 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 242-251 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Chikondi Makwiza ◽

Heinz Erasmus Jacobs

Keyword(s):

Water Use ◽

Urban Housing ◽

Considerable Proportion ◽

Urban Water ◽

Plot Size ◽

Residential Water Use ◽

Residential Properties ◽

The Impact ◽

The City ◽

Residential Water

Malawi has one of the highest urbanisation rates in Africa, with an urban housing approach that favours large residential plot sizes. The impact of plot size on residential water use was evaluated by examining water use records, obtained for the period between January 2009 and December 2014, for formal residential properties in the city of Lilongwe. Water use increased with plot size in line with other reported research, but the dataset contained a considerable proportion of large plots, which were also associated with higher residential water use than presented in similar studies. The findings of this study point to the need for collaboration between water managers and urban planners to promote increased access of urban water supplies by appropriately managing future residential plot sizes.

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The implications of climate change on residential water use: a micro-scale analysis of Portland (OR), USA

Journal of Water and Climate Change ◽

10.2166/wcc.2011.024 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 225-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Vivek Shandas ◽

Meenakshi Rao ◽

Moriah McSharry McGrath

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Water Use ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Future Climate ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Study Region ◽

Residential Water Use ◽

Residential Water

Social and behavioral research is crucial for securing environmental sustainability and improving human living environments. Although the majority of people now live in urban areas, we have limited empirical evidence of the anticipated behavioral response to climate change. Using empirical data on daily household residential water use and temperature, our research examines the implications of future climate conditions on water conservation behavior in 501 households within the Portland (OR) metropolitan region. We ask whether and how much change in ambient temperatures impact residential household water use, while controlling for taxlot characteristics. Based on our results, we develop a spatially explicit description about the changes in future water use for the study region using a downscaled future climate scenario. The results suggest that behavioral responses are mediated by an interaction of household structural attributes, and magnitude and temporal variability of weather parameters. These findings have implications for the way natural resource managers and planning bureaus prepare for and adapt to future consequences of climate change.

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