Household water efficiency strategies in Cornwall, SW of England

Abstract

Demand-side measures are thought to be a sustainable approach to meeting the future supply-demand balance. We assess the uptake of domestic demand-side measures and potential factors that may promote the uptake of water efficiency devices. Fifty-one face-to-face questionnaires were used to collect demographic and household characteristics data. We use descriptive statistics and univariate models to assess factors promoting water efficiency. Fifty-one adult participants aged between 30 and 64 years provided data on water consumption and efficiency. Participants investigating water saving solutions and homeowners were more likely to utilise water efficiency devices. Targeted factors shown to promote consumer up-take of water efficiency measures along with strategies utilising low-cost efficiency devices provide a cost-effective means to reduce water consumption.