Skip to main content
TitleSocio-Technological Influences on Future Water Demands
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsZadeh, S, Hunt, DV, Rogers, CD
Volume6
Issue7
EditionWater 2014
Paginationp. 1961-1984
Date Published07/2014
PublisherUniversity of Birmingham
Place PublishedUK
Type of ArticleJournal article
Publication LanguageEnglish
ISSN Number2073 4441
Keywordsdemand management, urban water, user behaviour; water saving devices
Abstract

The traditional water supply management approach focuses on (perceived) community requirements that must be met, but not on community demands, which are variable. Therefore a paradigm-shift is required to the way water is considered. In this paper two fundamental management measures to influence daily water demand and therefore conservation are considered: (1) Technological efficiency measures (i.e., via adopting water-saving devices); and (2) User behaviour (i.e., how users interact with and use the technologies). Through a newly developed futures framework, the individual and combined impact of these approaches within residential and office buildings are examined. Results show each in isolation has similar impacts (i.e., 55% reduction) on domestic water consumption per capita, although the ranges over which user behaviour can operate appears to be far more diverse. Most strikingly, when these measures are considered in combination, greater impact (i.e., 80% reduction) could be achieved. Conclusions are drawn as to how far water demand management, through a dual track approach, can go in terms of reducing indoor water consumption of both residential and office users within the UK. The paper provides philosophical arguments for what else is needed in order to secure sufficient, sustainable water supplies within a “liveable” future. [authos abstract]

URLhttp://www.mdpi.com/journal/water
DOI10.3390/w6071961

Disclaimer

The copyright of the documents on this site remains with the original publishers. The documents may therefore not be redistributed commercially without the permission of the original publishers.

Back to
the top