OPENING THE BLACK BOX OF WATER CONSERVATION BEHAVIOR: HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Abstract

Water is becoming increasingly scarce due to physiochemical changes in the environment brought on by human activities. This scarcity of water resources if not managed properly can lead to disastrous situations. It is therefore imperative to introduce an effective water conservative system that could handle this very deadly important resource. Thus, considering the above factors, this research aims to provide empirical and physical information from Pakistan's less developed areas, depicting people's attitudes and activities about water conservation at home (WC). For that purpose, demand management" measures were used to collect data as it jointly includes engineering practices/regulatory measures and behavioral practices which include attitudinal and market-oriented measures. Survey results indicate that people show positive attitudes towards WC but mixed responses were observed to water saving appliances. However, it was experienced through water audit that these positive attitudes are poorly deciphered into practicing the behavior. Only 20% of people are using a few water efficient appliances and they do not bother minor to moderate leaks in water supply pipes. The major obstacles to the application of water conservation habits are the high costs of appliances and a lack of awareness about water scarcity. So, it is proposed that repairing tiny breaches might save a household 1000 liters each day. Moreover, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by addressing the difficulty related to water conservation and increasing the exposure for decision-makers to support this process in the Pakistani context.

Keywords: Water Conservation; Demand Management; Water Efficient Appliances.