Water consumption and subjective wellbeing: An analysis of British households

Abstract

While having basic access to water resources is clearly critical for survival, the extent to which water consumption contributes to wellbeing once basic needs have been met is not clear. In this study the link between household water consumption and wellbeing is assessed via a household survey conducted in southern England and actual water consumption data for the same households received from their water supply company. While the study revealed a few correlations, in general no link was found between actual water use and wellbeing. This suggests that high wellbeing is attainable regardless of low water use (assuming basic needs are met). In fact, when assessed through individual rather than composite measures of wellbeing, a weak but statistically significant link was shown between higher water use and some indicators of low wellbeing. Our results also show that actual water use appears to be unlinked to environmental attitudes, attitudes to water use or willingness to adopt water saving measures. This suggests that seeking a sustained reduction in water consumption via attitudinal change alone is unlikely to be effective

Building Type, Housing Density, and Water Use: Denver Water Data and Agent‐Based Simulations

“…A few have examined water use across multiple BTs within a single city (Chenowerth et al. 2016). In most cases, decreased total water use is attributed to a suspected reduction in outdoor water use as the number of DUUA increases (and thus the % pervious area decreases).…”

Mechanism Study on the Impact of China Population Structure Change on the Water Use of the Three Main Industries

“…The amount of water consumption in the family was the highest when the family is composed of two young adults, and showed a downward trend when the average age of the family increased [16]. However, Chenoweth et al [17], in a survey in the UK, found that the number of adults, minors, and the total number of family members had a certain inhibiting effect on water consumption per capita, while the number of elderly people increased water consumption. In addition, studies by foreign scholars also show that population size is the main driving force for the increase in water consumption [18], and internationally recognized household consumption capacities and seasonal variations also need to be taken into account when assessing the water resource carrying capacity.…”

A Case Study of Delayed Action PIR Urinal-Controls in a University Setting and Their Impact Before, During, and After Covid-19

“…There is literature to support the idea that long-term cultural change can lead to habit development, leading to lower water consumption [3] especially in subjects with existing positive environmental awareness [4]. However, other literature such as [5]and [6] found there was no link between water use and environmental values or individuals' willingness to adopt water saving initiatives. This is despite [6] showing that households that consumed the least water exhibited higher levels of awareness of water conservation issues.…”

“…Although [7] found that there was a correlation between water use and the presence of technological utilization (dishwashers, washing machines etc.) in rural China, [5] and [8] state that in more developed regions, levels of domestic water use are more highly linked to the efficiency of the appliances installed as opposed to attempts to save water or concern for the environment. This is reinforced by regulations and standards which consider building water use a technological aspect, rather than occupant consideration [9].…”